We’d like to remind all our Apprenticeship centres that functional skills qualifications are due to replace key skills as a mandatory component of all Apprenticeship frameworks from September 2012.
 
The final date for registering learners for key skills is 30 September 2012.

The final date for certification of key skills is 30 September 2013.
 
Key skills qualifications will not take any enrolments beyond 30 September 2012.
 
Currently, both key skills and functional skills satisfy the requirements for the skills component of Apprenticeship frameworks. This transition period was intended to allow time for employers and providers to develop a range of flexible assessment models for delivering functional skills and to facilitate full implementation by September 2012.
 
With onscreen, on-demand testing and up to eight opportunities for paper-based assessment throughout the year, functional skills qualifications allow your learners to sit their assessments whenever they’re ready.
 
To ensure a smooth transition from key skills to functional skills we offer a wide range of free delivery and learning materials to help you familiarise yourself with the specifications, available at www.pearsonwbl.com/fs.
 
We've planned a series of face-to-face training events in March and April to support you with the delivery of functional skills. More information on the dates and how to book on to these events will be available shortly.