FUNCTIONAL SKILLS COURSES
GLP Training can help you develop your knowledge and skills in maths and/or English. Whether you are looking to brush up on your maths skills or invest in improving your reading and writing ability, we can support you to study online around your work and family commitments, at a pace that suits you best.
We also want to make the enrolment process for our students as easy and straight forward as possible, while also understanding people may not want to, or have the money available at the time to pay upfront for a course. As such, we give the options below of full upfront payment, along with a 6-month installment plan.
If you need help deciding which course or payment method is most suitable for you then don’t hesitate to call for our support.
Frequently asked questions
What are Functional Skills?
Functional Skill are qualifications regulated by the Government and help to provide people with vital skills in English, Maths and IT. They aim to provide these important skills in ways that can be replicated into the real world due to their use of realistic real-world scenarios. Therefore, helping people’s employability, career prospects, ability to study and general improvement of the skills they might rely on in their everyday lives.
Are Functional Skills Maths and English the same as GCSE?
Although a different qualification to GCSEs, Functional Skills are widely accepted as an equivalent to them with a Maths and English level functional skills qualification equivalent to a grade C or above at GCSE (4 or above).
What Functional Skills levels are there?
There is Entry Levels 1-3, Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications. Level 1 Functional Skills are equivalent to grade E-D (2-3) at GCSE, while Level 2 Functional Skills are equivalent to grade C or above (4 or above). The Entry Level qualifications don’t equate to a GCSE grade but aim to provide learners with basic knowledge of English and Maths, perfect as a start for someone who doesn’t speak English as a first language or as a refresher for a parent who wants to help their children with homework.
Do Functional Skills qualifications expire over time?
No. Functional Skills qualifications never expire. Once you achieve a Functional Skills qualification at whichever level you choose, you will always possess that qualification.
Do employers like Functional Skills?
Yes. Employers love Functional Skills qualifications due to their focus on real life scenarios and problem-solving tasks which are similar to those an employee might encounter in a work environment, whether that be in industries ranging from hospitality and leisure to construction.
How long does it take?
Each Functional Skills course, despite the level, contains 45 hours of learning. As such, the time it takes is down to how quickly you can put that time into it and feel you are ready to take your exams.
Where do I take the Functional Skills exams?
All of our Functional Skills courses are remote, which means unlike the old days of physically sitting an exam, these exams can be both completed by you and invigilated by an invigilator online.
How are Functional Skills assessed? What exams will I have to do?
Both Level 1 and Level 2 contain the same number of exams with English consisting of two exams (Reading and Writing) and a further two assessments for the speaking, listening and communication segment. Maths on the other hand features one exam.
Are Functional Skills accepted by Universities?
Yes. Most universities will accept and acknowledge Functional Skills qualifications but it’s safer to check with the specific university you want to attend to make sure.
Do a lot of people take Functional Skills?
Yes. Since Functional Skills began in 2014, over 3 million students have chosen to study for them.
Who should take Functional Skills?
Anyone can take Functional Skills courses, but they are ideal in situations where someone didn’t achieve a Grade C or above (4 or above) at GCSE and would like to resit. Also, for those who want to simply improve the employability or are searching for an apprenticeship.