Functional Skills – A Necessity When Starting an Internship

In the UK, functional skills are a requirement for many apprenticeships. But what are they, what do they mean and why are they so important? This article answers all these questions and more.

What are functional skills?

Functional skills are essential qualifications that provide young people with the basic skills they need to work in a variety of jobs. They cover reading, writing, math and IT and are available at different levels depending on the age and ability of the learner. They can also be studied in a variety of ways, such as attending college/school or studying the functional skills online†

Functional skills provide students with learning tools that allow them to:

• Demonstrate their understanding of core skills
• Transfer their knowledge to different functions and sectors
• Develop the necessary qualifications for employment and advancement, including apprenticeships and other vocational training programs.

Most work-based frameworks require level 2 functional skills, which means that learners should have a solid understanding of the basics before starting their education. This is because employers need to ensure that students have the necessary skills to do the job well.

Level 2 functional skills are available in English, Mathematics and IT. Students must have achieved at least level 2 in all three subjects before they can complete their internship.

Level 2 functional skills are equivalent to GCSE grades C.

Why are functional skills a necessity for apprenticeships?

Internships are a great way for young people to gain the necessary skills and knowledge they need to start their careers.

However, attending a job interview or completing a resume is not enough to secure a job as an apprentice. They will also need functional skills showing that they have the required qualifications and therefore can do the job.

It is also the case that many apprenticeships do not directly lead to a job in that sector. Instead, a learner can complete their studies and then apply for further qualifications to progress in their career. Functional skills are therefore useful when it comes to seeking out new opportunities or applying for higher-level jobs where necessary.

How to improve functional skills

There are a number of different ways students can improve their functional skills.

The first way is by practicing in real life. This may involve working with a tutor or employer who can provide feedback on how well the student is performing. It’s also a good idea for students to practice the skills they’ve learned in different contexts, such as writing essays, solving math problems, and using computers.

The second way to improve functional skills is through intensive study. This can be done by attending classes or workshops or by using online resources. It’s important for students set aside enough time to focus on their studies and make sure they understand what they are learning.

Final Thoughts

Functional skills are a necessity in apprenticeships because they demonstrate that an apprentice has the necessary qualifications and can do the job. Learners also need functional skills if their apprenticeship does not lead directly to employment in that sector, but instead requires higher level jobs where appropriate. There are several ways in which a learner can improve these skills, for example through practical experience or intensive study through classes or workshops.