Hull businesses urged to improve employee skills for free

Hull businesses are being urged to take advantage of a free programme to raise employees' skills and confidence.

Hull Training and Adult Education delivers English and maths training for employees at Hull businesses.

All Functional Skills qualifications are free to the employer and employee, subject to eligibility. Training can be delivered in workplaces, schools, community centres, training centres and other environments.

Functional Skills is a nationally recognised qualification in English and maths, offered from Entry level up to Level 2. A Level 2 functional skills qualification is equivalent to Level 4 or C and above at GCSE. It also includes core skills such as writing for purpose, reading for understanding and presenting tables and data.

Hull City Council has put more than 100 of its employees through the training over the past three years.

Angela from West Hull is employed by the council and works full-time in the Public Health directorate. She took her Functional Skills Level 2 English on a Fast-Track course, attending weekly classes with Hull Training and Adult Education.

She said: “The team that deliver maths and English really know their subject. My tutor was professional, helpful, and friendly. as initially it did feel strange to go back into a classroom but I felt more at ease each week.

All Functional Skills qualifications are free to the employer and employee.

“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their classes as they always work with each learner to help them achieve their goal. It’s never too late to learn and it’s not as hard as you think it will be.”

Training is negotiated to meet the needs of the business, including class time, length and frequency. English and maths can be delivered onsite – a quiet space with tables and chairs for the class is all that is required, while an online blended approach, which is a combination of live teaching and remote learning, is also available.

Natalie Parker, from the performance and funding team for Hull Training and Adult Education, took maths and English Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications as part of a Team Leader/Supervisor apprenticeships.

She said she was helped with her communication skills, presentation skills and confidence to speak to a large group of people.

She said: “Undertaking my maths and English qualifications again, after leaving school such a long time ago, has really helped me in my everyday working life. I encourage everyone to refresh their skills at least once in their working life. Self-development really helps to build on our strengths and learn new ways of working.”

Learn more about Hull Training and Adult Education here.