Free Entry Level 3 Functional Skills English in Grays. Classes run at TCHC Thurrock GAPS Centre. You'll study reading, writing, and speaking and listening, covering the three core areas of the NCFE Functional Skills English Qualification. The course runs for 55 hours of daytime classroom study. To join, you must already be enrolled on a vocational qualification at one of the GAPS centres.
Who this course is for
Young people aged 16-18 (and 16-24 with an EHCP) who would like to gain a qualification in Functional Skills English.
What you will learn
You'll develop your reading skills to understand texts and written information.
You'll practise writing clearly and accurately for different purposes.
You'll build your speaking and listening skills for everyday and work situations.
You'll be assessed separately in reading, writing, and speaking and listening.
You'll get support with cost-of-living budgeting alongside your English study.
How you will learn
Classes are delivered face to face at TCHC Thurrock GAPS Centre during the day. The qualification has three separate assessments: one each for reading, writing, and speaking and listening. You'll complete all three as part of the course. You'll also have access to careers guidance, mentoring, work placement opportunities, and CV and interview support through the centre's employment hub.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. TCHC Thurrock GAPS Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Retail assistant: reading labels, writing notes, talking with customers.
Care assistant: following written instructions, communicating clearly with clients.
Warehouse operative: reading safety signs and completing written records.
Receptionist: writing messages, reading correspondence, speaking with visitors.
Childcare worker: reading guidance documents, communicating with parents.
Hospitality worker: taking orders, reading menus, writing basic records.
What you could study next
Functional Skills English Level 1: the next step up, covering more complex reading and writing tasks.
Functional Skills English Level 2: the recognised GCSE English alternative. Level 2 is what employers mean when they ask for GCSE English or equivalent.
GCSE English Language: available at some centres if you want to sit the traditional qualification instead.
