What are Functional Skills?

Functional Skills are vital skills for learners in Maths, English and ICT, regulated by the government. They are useful for college courses and many jobs. Functional Skills are transferable qualifications that relate to many areas and sectors, such as accounting, business, childcare, electrical, sport, plumbing, student learning and teaching assistance, motor vehicle maintenance, tourism, and hair and beauty.

Is Functional Skills (maths and English) Level 2 the same as a GCSE?

Functional Skills at Level 2 is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4 (C on old grading system). Functional Skills is a qualification which is widely accepted as a GCSE equivalent.

Why do employers like Functional Skills?

Employers like Functional Skills because they help you to help them solve problems that arise in business. No matter whether you are a hairdresser, a beauty therapist, a mechanic, or a construction worker, Functional Skills gives you practical problem solving skills in maths and English.

What will the English level 2 qualification enable students to do?

  • They will be able to demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, listen and communicate in English at an appropriate level.
  • They will be able to show their competence in English by using it in real-world situations as well as demonstrating a sound grasp of basic English knowledge and skills.
  • They will be able to apply these skills effectively to a range of purposes in the workplace and in other real-life situations.

What will the Mathematics level 2 qualification empower students to do?

  • They will be able to develop an understanding of functional skills in maths at Level 1 and 2
  • They will be able to develop their skills and competences in maths.
  • They will be able to achieve a nationally-recognised qualification.
  • They will be able to prepare for employment.

Can I study Functional Skills online?

Yes. You can study Functional Skills online and study at your own pace. If you missed out on your C grade at GCSE, you could continue to learn online and achieve an equivalent qualification by getting your Level 1 or 2 Functional Skills qualifications.

What will the English level 2 qualification enable students to do?

  • They will be able to demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, listen and communicate in English at an appropriate level.
  • They will be able to show their competence in English by using it in real-world situations as well as demonstrating a sound grasp of basic English knowledge and skills.
  • They will be able to apply these skills effectively to a range of purposes in the workplace and in other real-life situations.

How long will it take for me to complete functional skills?

Each level contains 45 hours of learning. Because you are learning online at your own pace, the length of time it takes depends on how many levels you need to study and how many hours per day or week you spend on it.

What will the Mathematics level 2 qualification empower students to do?

  • They will be able to develop an understanding of functional skills in maths at Level 1 and 2
  • They will be able to develop their skills and competences in maths.
  • They will be able to achieve a nationally-recognised qualification.
  • They will be able to prepare for employment.

Do Functional Skills expire?

No, Functional Skills do not expire.

PCO

How to apply for the PCO license?

You will need to pass the Topographical Skills Test in order to apply for the license.

English is not my first language, will the topographical skills trainer be patient with me?

Most certainly, he is very experienced in this area and has had a wealth of experience training clients with English not being their first language.

I am 20 years old and will be 21 soon, can I apply for my PCO Licence?

You should be 21 years and over at the point of making the application.

I have held my licence for 3 years, am I eligible to apply for my PCO licence?

Yes, providing that it is a full DVLA, Nothern Ireland or EEA drivers licence.

Do I have to do my topographical skills training and test at one of the 6 approved centres within London?

No, you can sit your test at TfL, therefore, you can progress your training with us and we will support you to arrange your test with TfL

SIA

How to get the SIA license?

You will need to complete your training course and pass your exams in order to apply for the license.

Who needs a SIA licence?

Since the security industry act 2001, it is compulsory for all those who work in the security industry to undergo SIA training and possess a current, valid SIA license. If you need an SIA license, you’ll normally need to take the right SIA courses and pass exams before applying. In many cases you might also need a first aid qualification.

Why you need an SIA licence?

An SIA licence allows the licence holder to legally practise in the industry. Working without a valid SIA licence is a criminal offence, which means you could be fined and even put in prison. Upon summary conviction at Magistrate's Court, Sheriff Court or District Court, a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000.

How long does it take to process an SIA licence application?

The SIA says they aim to process a minimum of 80% of all correctly completed applications within 25 working days, but it normally takes around six weeks for each SIA licence application to be processed. This time starts from when a correctly completed SIA licence application form is received (when SIA receives a correctly completed application, they will write to the candidate in order to confirm).