Who I help – July 2025
Functional Skills training and support for apprenticeship providers
I collaborate with UK-based independent training providers and colleges delivering a wide range of programmes for learners aged 16 and above. The providers I work with vary in size and structure, and I regularly partner with key contacts such as Curriculum Heads, Maths and English Leads, Quality Managers and Ofsted Nominees.
Maths and English requirements in apprenticeship
Although the mandatory requirement for Functional Skills in adult apprenticeships has been removed, the need for strong Maths and English skills has not. In fact, contextualised, meaningful delivery is more important than ever.
In my experience, all my clients share a common goal: to ensure their learners have the essential Maths and English skills needed to progress confidently and succeed in their apprenticeships.
They take a proactive approach
Forward-thinking providers engage my services to maintain or enhance their Ofsted “Good” or “Outstanding” grades. They understand that high-quality delivery of Maths and English, and the attitudes of staff towards these subjects, directly affects learner outcomes and programme success.
They need ongoing support
Many providers I work with are aiming to improve their achievement rates or overall provision. Even where Functional Skills is no longer a formal requirement, delays in learner progress can still occur due to weak skills, low confidence, or lack of motivation, often placing additional burden on tutors, employers and the learners themselves.
In more severe cases, these challenges can lead to learners disengaging and withdrawing from their programmes entirely.
Providers typically discover my work through third-party networks such as AELP or GMLPN, then go on to partner with me for ongoing training and support to help learners succeed and teams perform with confidence.
They require a quick-fix
Sometimes providers contact me when internal tracking highlights a lack of progress in Maths or English just before learners reach Gateway. At this stage, they’re looking for a “quick fix” – a targeted intervention to build learner confidence, close skills gaps and ensure learners are ready for assessment.
They receive poor exam results or a bad Ofsted inspection
Low achievement rates in Functional Skills can quickly snowball. Learners who fail assessments may lose confidence or motivation, increasing the risk of early withdrawal. This has serious implications for retention, funding and provider reputation.
Providers often recognise that their staff need support to build confidence, contextualise delivery and better prepare learners for reassessment, especially when facing additional costs for multiple attempts.
That’s where I come in by helping providers strengthen their Maths and English offer and improve learner outcomes.
Championing innovation and impact
In addition to direct provider support, I lead on strategic initiatives to raise the profile of Maths and improve outcomes across the sector. As a Maths Ambassador for Greater Manchester, I work with local authorities, providers and employers to promote positive attitudes towards numeracy and demonstrate its relevance in everyday life and work.
I also support training teams to build their confidence in using digital tools, including AI, to enhance delivery. Through workshops and consultancy, I help educators explore how platforms like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini can support contextualised Maths and English delivery, reduce workload and better engage learners.
Whether it’s embedding Maths in care plans or using AI to create realistic workplace tasks, my goal is always the same: to make learning more accessible, meaningful and impactful.
Please get in touch to discuss the challenges you need to overcome – we can organise a video call to talk through how I can help you.