Why Maths and English Matter to employers in the Pharmacy sector:
Strong numeracy and literacy skills are crucial for accuracy, communication, and safety in all settings. These skills help with:
Complex mathematical skills, for example, dosage calculations and medication safety
Accurately reading industry documents, for example, interpreting prescriptions and patient records
Stock management and financial transactions
Clear communication with stakeholders, patients and healthcare professionals
Employers should consider the long-term benefits of supporting apprentices in completing Functional Skills, as this enhances job performance, and career progression, and further supports the safeguarding of patient care.
Check if Functional Skills sessions are required
The Department for Education announced that from the 11th of February 2025 for apprentices that are 19 or older, the employer and or apprentice will have the ability to choose to include delivery of English and or maths functional skills qualifications alongside the core apprenticeship delivery.
16-18 year-olds: Must still continue to complete separate Functional Skills Qualifications where they do not already hold the required level.
Functional Skills levels
Skills4Pharmacy is approved by City & Guilds to provide Functional Skills.
Learners will be required to complete an initial assessment of English and maths prior to the start of their course. After the initial assessments, learners will be asked to complete a diagnostic assessment. These help us identify learners’ current English and maths skills, allowing us to create personalised learning plans and provide targeted support.
Employers must allocate additional time for apprentices to attend Functional Skills sessions, separate from their core apprenticeship training. These fortnightly, one-hour sessions cover English and maths and are delivered in group format. Due to high learner numbers, one-to-one sessions are not available.
Functional Skills English Level 1
Our level 1 English course will increase your confidence in applying English language and communication principles to everyday tasks and will provide you with the ability to solve problems in a range of work and daily life scenarios.
Download the Functional Skills English Level 1 learner factsheet
Functional Skills English Level 2
Our level 2 English course will build upon and increase your confidence in applying English language and communication principles to everyday tasks and will provide you with the ability to solve complex problems in a range of work and daily life scenarios.
Download the Functional Skills English Level 2 learner factsheet
Functional Skills Maths Level 1
Our level 1 maths course will increase your confidence in applying mathematical principles to everyday tasks and will provide you with the ability to solve problems in a range of work and daily life scenarios.
Download the Functional Skills Maths Level 1 learner factsheet
Functional Skills Maths Level 2
Our level 2 maths course will build on and increase your confidence in applying mathematical principles to everyday tasks and will provide you with the ability to solve complex problems in a range of work and daily life scenarios.
Download the Functional Skills Maths Level 2 learner factsheet
Employer responsibilities
IT requirements. The learner must have access to:
Laptop or PC
Internet capability
Windows Software
Webcam
Microphones and speakers
Invigilator requirements. The learner must have access to:
Quiet, undisturbed location within the pharmacy
An invigilator is available to monitor the exam
The invigilator must be GPhC-registered
The invigilator must agree to exams being downloaded onto company hardware if using a company PC or laptop