Functional Skills

The apprenticeship system requires that all learners are qualified and working at Level 2 in English and Maths by the end of their programmes. Level 2 is equivalent to GCSE grade A-C or 9-4, though there are numerous other recognised and acceptable equivalents.  

There are two parts to this: 

Qualification 

During the enrolment process we will ask for a copy of the applicant’s English and Maths GCSE (or accepted equivalent) certificates, along with any change of name evidence if applicable. Presentation of this means there is no requirement to gain any further qualification in these subjects. If the applicant has lost their certificates, they can go to their school or examining body and ask for evidence of passing these for a nominal fee.  

If the applicant studied overseas, then we will ask for their overseas equivalent certificates in order to submit these to the European Network of National Information Centres – ENIC (formerly NARIC) to obtain a formal check of equivalence. If you work for the NHS, this will be done by your Trust. If you work elsewhere we will complete this. 

If the applicant never achieved these qualifications or is unable to provide proof of them or the recognised equivalent, we will put them through Level 2 English and Maths Functionals Skills qualifications in parallel to their apprenticeship training, assuming they achieve Level 1.7 at Initial Assessment. Individuals who do not possess English and Maths certificates, who do not achieve Level 1.7 in their Diagnostics and are not willing to complete the Functional Skills qualifications will not be allowed to start the apprenticeships.  

One final point – some of your applicants have degrees, but irrespective of the entry requirements for the degree, we still need to see their English and Maths qualifications, not their degree certificates.