Functional skills

Apprentices looking to gain qualifications at level 3 or above will need to have , or successfully complete, GCSEs at grade 4 (grade c) or above in both English and maths. Don’t worry, if you do not have this, or the equivalent, we will support you to complete the appropriate functional skills course during your apprenticeship.

What are functional skills?

“Functional skills are practical skills in English and mathematics that allow individuals to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life and work.” 
Department for Education and Skills

Mercuri have the expertise to deliver both English and maths functional skills qualifications to your teams this will enable them to achieve the required level of qualification prior to entering apprenticeship End Point Assessment.

Qualifications achieved in functional skills are accredited by an awarding body and meet the required minimum level of qualification required in order to complete an apprenticeship.

Our tutors provide support, encouragement and motivation to help empower your teams to achieve the most out of these qualifications, by developing new skills which they will subsequently be able to implement in the workplace.

This will be offered via a combination of 1:1 sessions, group sessions and individualized plans set on BKSB.

Accreditation

Our awarding body for our functional skills qualification is Skills First.

Tackling maths and English anxiety

Often people worry about the idea of having to study maths or English again. For many it has been a long time since they’ve engaged with formal learning and they struggle with the thought of doing anything similar. However, functional skills are skills-based qualifications and less theoretical than GCSEs. Learners frequently discover they have more of an aptitude for them than they thought. With the right support and guidance success is more than just a pipe dream!

Read what one of apprentices has to say about functional skills

“I am currently doing functional skills for both maths and English. Having always struggled with maths and not doing too well at school I am happy to be doing this now. Since being assigned Emma Wilkinson, my functional skills coach, I have seen a massive improvement in my maths results and my confidence has grown immensely. I have a weekly hour-long virtual meeting and I know that Emma is there for me if I am having any difficulties. The BKSB learning platform is easy to use, particularly the way the questions are designed. Top marks to Mercuri for providing the right coach to help me study for these exams. I can’t believe I am saying it but I am enjoying maths!

Emma Chamberlain, Internal Sales Executive, Rapid Electronics Ltd.

The learning platform – BKSB

Access a range of engaging learning content using our BKSB platform. A great way to boost your core knowledge.

Further information

GCSEs: How the grade 1 – 9 works

Awarding of functional skills

Apprenticeships from Mercuri

Sales Executive Level 4

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Team Leader Level 3

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