Do You Need Functional Skills for an Apprenticeship?

Functional Skills qualifications – in English, maths, and digital literacy – have long been part of the apprenticeship framework in England. They ensure that learners can communicate effectively, use numbers confidently, and navigate the modern workplace.

However, changes to apprenticeship funding rules in 2025 mean that not all apprentices are now required to pass Functional Skills before completing their programme. So, what does this mean for you?

This detailed guide explains exactly when Functional Skills are required, when they’re optional, and provides examples of apprenticeships that do or do not include them.

What Are Functional Skills and Why Are They Important?

Functional Skills qualifications are practical, real-world courses in English, mathematics, and digital skills. Unlike traditional academic subjects, they focus on applied ability – the kind of skills you use daily in work or life.

They cover:

• English: Writing clear emails, presenting ideas, reading instructions, and communicating professionally.
• Maths: Budgeting, measuring, data analysis, and logical problem-solving.
• Digital skills: Using online platforms, spreadsheets, and secure communication tools.

According to the Department for Education, Functional Skills form part of most apprenticeship standards. The goal is to make sure every apprentice has the literacy and numeracy needed to perform effectively at work.

Even if not mandatory for all adults, Functional Skills remain crucial for employability, especially in roles involving communication, customer service, or financial accuracy.

The 2025 Rule Change: What’s Different Now?

Until recently, all apprentices without GCSE grade 4 (C) in English and maths had to study and pass Functional Skills before they could complete their apprenticeship.

However, from 11 February 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) updated the rules. As reported by FE Week, adult apprentices (aged 19+) are no longer required to pass Functional Skills English and maths in order to achieve their apprenticeship.

This update gives greater flexibility for adult learners who may have left school years ago, have workplace experience, or prefer to focus on their technical training.

The change does not affect apprentices aged 16–18 – they still need to complete English and maths qualifications if they haven’t already done so.

In practice, this means:

• Under 19s – Functional Skills are still mandatory if GCSEs haven’t been achieved.
• 19+ apprentices – Functional Skills are now optional (though strongly recommended).
• Existing equivalents – GCSE grade 4/C or above counts as meeting the requirement.

When You DO Need Functional Skills for an Apprenticeship

Functional Skills are mandatory in the following cases:

1. You are under 19 when you start your apprenticeship.
2. You do not already hold GCSEs in English and maths (grade 4/C or above).
3. You are studying a Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship (Intermediate or Advanced).

For example:

• Business Administrator (Level 3): Apprentices are required to achieve Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths if they don’t have GCSE equivalents. Communication, report writing, and email professionalism are key to the role.
• Early Years Educator (Level 3): Working with children requires accurate recording, parent communication, and literacy. Functional Skills in English are essential here.
• Healthcare Support Worker (Level 2): Apprentices must meet basic maths standards to manage medication quantities and patient records.

According to Dynamic Training, Functional Skills form part of nearly all Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeship frameworks for young learners, unless prior qualifications are proven.

When You May NOT Need Functional Skills

Functional Skills are not always required – particularly for adult apprentices (aged 19+) starting after February 2025, or for learners who already hold equivalent qualifications.

For example:

• Engineering Technician (Level 3): If the apprentice is 25 years old and already has GCSEs in English and maths, they won’t need to take Functional Skills again.
• Construction Site Supervisor (Level 4): Higher apprenticeships often accept prior qualifications. Functional Skills aren’t mandatory unless the learner lacks GCSEs.
• Digital Marketing Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6): As these are university-level, learners already meet English and maths entry criteria through previous qualifications, so Functional Skills are unnecessary.

According to Aptem’s 2025 implementation guidance, providers and employers can now record an “opt-out” decision in the training plan if Functional Skills aren’t needed.

Examples of Apprenticeships That Typically Require Functional Skills

Sector	Example Apprenticeship	Functional Skills Required?	Reason
Health & Social Care	Healthcare Support Worker (Level 2)	✅ Yes	Strong communication and numeracy for care plans and medication.
Education & Childcare	Early Years Practitioner (Level 2–3)	✅ Yes	Written documentation and communication with parents.
Business & Administration	Team Leader / Supervisor (Level 3)	✅ Yes	Reporting, budgeting, and leadership communication.
Engineering	Maintenance Technician (Level 3)	✅ Often	Precision calculations and documentation are critical.
Hospitality	Commis Chef (Level 2)	✅ Usually	Measurements, timings, and hygiene reports require literacy/numeracy.
Hair & Beauty	Hair Professional (Level 2)	⚙️ Sometimes	Maths and communication used in stock, bookings, and customer service.
Construction	Bricklayer (Level 2)	⚙️ Sometimes	Some providers require it; others focus on practical ability.
Digital & IT	Software Developer (Level 4)	❌ Not Usually	Requires prior academic entry; English/maths often already held.
Finance	Accounting Technician (Level 3–4)	✅ Yes	Accurate data entry and calculations; often essential.
Transport & Logistics	Supply Chain Practitioner (Level 3)	⚙️ Optional	Depends on prior qualifications and employer preference.

Even when Functional Skills are marked as “optional,” employers often value them highly for progression and internal promotions.

Why Apprenticeship Levels Matter

Functional Skills requirements are tied to apprenticeship levels.

• Level 2 (Intermediate): Usually requires Functional Skills Level 1 (and attempts at Level 2).
• Level 3 (Advanced): Requires Functional Skills Level 2 or GCSE equivalents.
• Level 4–7 (Higher & Degree): Generally exempt if GCSEs are already achieved – though providers may still support skill refreshers.

For instance:

• A Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician (Level 3) apprenticeship typically includes Functional Skills if the learner has no GCSEs.
• A Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6) usually does not, as degree entry requires GCSEs in English and maths.

The official GOV.UK apprenticeship framework lists individual apprenticeship standards and their qualification requirements.

How Functional Skills Are Taught During an Apprenticeship

Functional Skills learning can take place:

• During off-the-job training (part of the 20% minimum learning time).
• Through online study platforms supported by your provider.
• Via dedicated workshops or 1-to-1 tutoring.
• With flexible assessment – including written, spoken, and practical components.

Apprentices might study topics such as:

• Writing professional emails (English).
• Calculating materials, costs, or timescales (Maths).
• Using spreadsheets or cloud tools (Digital).

Many providers embed these lessons directly into the workplace context – for example, a hospitality apprentice may practice fractions when measuring recipes, or a retail apprentice may analyse weekly sales data for a maths module.

Why Functional Skills Still Matter (Even If Optional)

Even if you’re an adult apprentice who no longer needs Functional Skills to complete your programme, there are compelling reasons to still do them:

• Career progression: Employers often prefer candidates who demonstrate numeracy and literacy confidence.
• Further study: If you later decide to do a higher apprenticeship or university degree, Level 2 Functional Skills can satisfy entry criteria.
• Transferable skills: Strong communication and numeracy improve workplace performance in any role.
• Confidence and independence: Many adult learners report improved self-esteem after completing these qualifications.

As Instep UK highlights, Functional Skills not only support the apprenticeship but also empower learners to thrive in long-term careers.

Key Questions to Ask Before You Start

Before enrolling in your apprenticeship, confirm these points with your training provider:

1. Do I already meet the English and maths requirements?
2. If not, will I be enrolled on Functional Skills courses?
3. Will Functional Skills affect my completion timeline or funding?
4. If I’m aged 19+, do I want to complete them anyway for career growth?
5. Are there extra resources available if I need support?

Providers like Dynamic Training and Aptem offer clear information on how Functional Skills can fit into your individual learning plan.

Apprentice Type	Functional Skills Required?	Explanation
Aged 16–18 without GCSEs in English/maths	✅ Yes	Mandatory for all Level 2–3 apprenticeships.
Aged 19+ without GCSEs	⚙️ Optional (from 2025)	Strongly recommended, but not required to complete.
Already has GCSE grade 4 (C) or above	❌ No	Exempt from Functional Skills entirely.
Taking a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship	❌ No	Entry requirements already cover English/maths.
Pursuing Level 2 Apprenticeship	✅ Yes	Must work towards Functional Skills if no GCSEs.

Final Thoughts

While the government’s 2025 rule change gives more flexibility, Functional Skills remain one of the most valuable parts of vocational training. They underpin communication, accuracy and problem-solving across every industry.

For younger apprentices, they are still mandatory. For adult learners, they are now optional – but completing them can boost your qualifications, confidence and career prospects.

If you’re starting or considering an apprenticeship, discuss your existing qualifications with your training provider, and weigh up the benefits of Functional Skills even if they’re not required.

You can browse current opportunities and training standards through the National Apprenticeship Service.