Functional Skills: The Cornerstone of Apprenticeships

Mike Worley, Managing Director, HIT Training Ltd

The ability to read, write, and work with numbers is fundamental – not just in the workplace, but in everyday life. Yet, with the recent relaxation of Functional Skills requirements for adult apprentices (19+), the UK risks widening an already concerning skills gap.

The numbers speak for themselves. Former Apprenticeships Minister Robert Halfon has highlighted that 9 million adults in the UK struggle with literacy and numeracy. Research from the OECD further underscores this issue, revealing a decline in these essential skills in recent years. These statistics reflect a national challenge, one that affects individuals, businesses, and the economy as a whole.

At HIT Training Ltd, we refuse to let these figures define the future of our workforce. While others step back, we step forward. Functional Skills are not a regulatory hurdle; they are the foundation of opportunity, economic mobility, and business success. Our commitment is not just to delivering apprenticeships but to ensure that those apprenticeships equip individuals with the essential skills they need to thrive long after their training is complete.

Trends and Market Realities in Delivering Functional Skills

Since the government announced new Functional Skills flexibilities, we have seen a varied response across the sector. Some providers have taken this as an opportunity to stop delivering Functional Skills altogether, even where employers and apprentices still require these skills.

At HIT Training Ltd, we are seeing the opposite trend. Businesses still require employees who can confidently process information, communicate clearly, and problem-solve effectively. Several large employers have explicitly requested that we continue delivering Functional Skills as before, recognising their essential role in workplace performance, end-point assessments, and long-term employability.

What’s more, Functional Skills training does not come out of the apprenticeship levy. This means businesses can upskill their workforce at no additional cost – so why wouldn’t employers take advantage of this opportunity with a training provider that is not only committed to delivering these essential skills but also excels at it?

David Everrett, Apprenticeship Lead at Shepherd Neame:

“Functional Skills are integral to apprenticeships. These are not just ‘nice-to-have’ skills – they are essential for operational efficiency, customer service, and business success.”

Tom Stephenson, Kitchen Training Manager at ARC Inspirations:

“One of our chefs struggled at school but gained confidence through Functional Skills training. He also secured a SEN diagnosis, which helped him understand his challenges. The impact has been transformational – both professionally and personally.”

HIT Training Ltd – The Provider of Opportunity

HIT Training Ltd has long been recognised for its excellence in Functional Skills training, and we remain committed to this responsibility. Our consistently high success rates highlight the impact of our approach and the value that employers and apprentices place on these essential skills.

We welcome the removal of the exit requirement to pass an exam, as it removes a barrier to completion. However, this should not prevent anyone who needs these vital skills from accessing the learning they require.

Where apprentices require numeracy and literacy skills, we will ensure they receive the necessary support. We will work closely with employers to assess and determine the need, ensuring no apprentice is left without the skills essential for their role and future progression.

Our position is clear:

• Functional Skills are workplace essentials, not optional extras. Employers need staff who can process information, problem-solve, and communicate effectively. These skills drive productivity and ensure teams operate at their full potential.
• Removing the requirement does not remove the need. While regulations may change, businesses still require a workforce with strong literacy and numeracy. We remain committed to delivering these skills to those who need them.
• We go beyond the finish line. At HIT Training Ltd, our focus isn’t just on qualification completion – we ensure apprentices leave with the knowledge and confidence to thrive long-term.

A Broader Responsibility – Functional Skills and Social Mobility

Beyond the workplace, literacy and numeracy shape everyday life. Individuals without these skills face challenges in managing personal finances, understanding legal documents, and even supporting their children’s education. The ability to interpret a bill, compare interest rates, or draft a complaint letter can be the difference between financial stability and vulnerability. Functional Skills offer more than a qualification – they provide a foundation for independence, self-confidence, and career progression.

At HIT Training Ltd, we recognise that not everyone has had an equal start in education. We are the provider of opportunity, ensuring that every apprentice – regardless of background – has access to the training they need to build a secure and successful future.

What Needs to Change to Ensure Apprentices Can Upskill?

The removal of Functional Skills as a mandatory requirement should not lead to a decline in skills development. If anything, it should encourage a more tailored and meaningful approach to supporting literacy and numeracy. To ensure apprentices continue to develop these essential skills, the sector must remain committed to maintaining access to Functional Skills rather than using flexibilities as a reason to cut provision.

Employers now have greater responsibility in determining skills requirements, and providers must engage them early to ensure literacy and numeracy are not overlooked – both for the apprentice and their future career progression.

The Future of Functional Skills – A Collective Responsibility

We urge employers, training providers, and policymakers to stay committed to embedding these fundamental skills into apprenticeships. A skilled workforce is a productive workforce, and Functional Skills remain critical to long-term business success and career progression.

Functional Skills are the cornerstone of opportunity, and we are committed to working alongside employers to keep them at the heart of apprenticeships – because when apprentices have the right skills, businesses thrive.