What Are Functional Skills and Why Do They Matter?

The world of work is changing, and so are the skills we need to keep up! For many people in the UK, traditional qualifications like GCSEs don’t always fit the bill.

You could be just starting out in your chosen career path, or picking things up later in life: no matter what point you’re at in your professional development, there are some skills that everyone should know.

The English, maths, and digital skills people actually use on a day-to-day basis are a must-have. It’s tasks like working out a budget or writing a clear email, and this practical know-how can be acquired via functional skills courses.

What are functional skills?

Functional skills are work-based maths, English, and ICT qualifications that prepare people for everyday situations. A different approach from more formal academic routes, functional skills are practice-focused.

For example, instead of just memorising formulae, a maths student will learn to determine interest on a loan, read a payslip, or work out comparative prices on a shopping receipt.

These qualifications are available at various levels. Level 2 is perhaps most well known as it is considered equivalent to a GCSE pass (grade 4 or C) and is often used to meet entry criteria for jobs or college courses.

A particular favourite among learners is the Functional Skills Maths Level 2 qualification, which provides the foundations for calculating percentages, ratios, graphs, and other everyday problems.

Why do functional skills matter?

Functional skills were introduced to give people a second chance.

They're particularly valuable for individuals who didn't achieve the grades they needed in school, adults returning to education, or anyone who wants to obtain a basic maths or English qualification.

The teaching method is more vocational than academic, which can make the material more accessible.

1. Changing job market demands

The way people are hired and the skills employers are looking for have both shifted in recent years.

Across many industries, there's growing demand for workers who can apply maths and English in real-world situations, which could include drafting clear emails, checking invoices, or understanding a shift rota.

Functional skills courses are designed to meet these needs. They focus on the everyday skills that employers look for, especially at a time when technology is changing the job landscape.

Plus, with AI and automation becoming more common, employers are increasingly searching for staff who can work with numbers and communicate clearly.

2. Adult learning and second chances

For many adults in the UK, going back to education can feel daunting, especially if things didn't go to plan the first time around.

That's where functional skills come in. The courses offer a straightforward, attainable route to building confidence in English, maths, or ICT, typically after several years outside the classroom.

They're composed with everyday application in mind, so it's easier for students to see how the content relates to the real world, from job applications to bill paying.

3. Support for apprenticeships and further education

If you’re interested in applying for apprenticeships or going back into education, functional skills training makes the difference between moving forward and being held back.

Although recent changes mean that not all apprentices over 19 are now required to pass Level 2 English and maths to complete their programmes, these skills are still highly recommended and often expected by employers.

Functional skills can also act as a stepping stone for learners who want to study further but don’t yet have the GCSEs they need.

Many colleges accept a Level 2 functional skills qualification as an alternative, which allows learners to take on new courses or even access higher-level apprenticeships.

4. Digital inclusion

According to a report from education charity NCFE, around one in five UK adults still lack the basic digital skills needed to keep up with online services, job applications, and digital communication.

That figure paints a clear picture of why training that focuses on practical digital skills is more important than ever.

Functional skills training, especially courses in digital technologies, helps people learn how to do things that are now considered everyday essentials, like sending emails, filling out online forms, or managing bills and appointments.

But don’t be confused: these courses are not theoretical. They focus on helping people apply what they have learnt to real-world tasks.

Who should take Functional Skills Qualifications?

So, who can take functional skills courses? Realistically, anyone of any age and educationally background is a suitable candidate.

As we mentioned earlier, they may be a more accessible option for those who didn’t achieve a grade C/4 or higher in their GCSEs. They’re also great for:

adults looking to re-enter education
those returning to work after a break
anyone aiming to improve their skills in a more hands-on way

Again, while there are no age restrictions, functional skills courses often attract young people who might find traditional academic routes challenging.