Functional Skills and other life skills

Functional skills (England only) are practical skills in English, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and mathematics. They allow individuals to work confidently, effectively and independently in life.  Functional Skills will replace Key Skills and are part of Apprenticeships.

Key Skills  cover the skills used in jobs and industry and include: Communication, Application of Number and Information & Communication Technology (ICT). KeySkills are a part of Apprenticeships.  You can no longer register for Key Skills after 30th September 2012.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW) is the new suite of skills qualifications which will replace the current Key Skills and was implemented from the 1st of September 2010. ESW consists of Communication, Application of Number and Information Communication Technology (ICT).

Core Skills cover the skills used in jobs and industry and include: Communication (reading, writing and speaking); Numeracy (using numbers in measurement and graphical format); Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Core Skills are a part of Apprenticeships.

Skills for Life qualifications are designed to help you develop the skills you use in everyday life, such as reading, writing or maths. They can also help you boost your CV or move on to further study. You can no longer register for Sills for Life after 31st August 2012.