Free if you're 19 or over and don't have a GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in maths, whatever you earn. If you already have one, fees apply. Contact Truro and Penwith College for more info.
Level 1 Functional Skills Maths Course in Penzance. Classes run at Penwith College, part-time during the day. The course runs over 7 weeks, making it manageable alongside other commitments. You'll develop the practical maths skills that employers look for across a wide range of job roles. This level 1 functional skills maths qualification covers applying numbers, handling data, and solving everyday maths problems. It's a recognised GCSE maths alternative for learners who need a solid maths foundation.
Who this course is for
Functional Skills ensure that an individual has the basic applied skills in order to solve problems and become a valuable employee. They build the confidence needed to tackle commonly recurring problems in any job role.
What you will learn
You'll work with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages in practical contexts.
You'll read and interpret charts, tables, and graphs.
You'll use measurements, including length, weight, capacity, and time.
You'll solve numerical problems that come up in everyday work situations.
You'll check your own calculations and identify errors.
You'll apply maths to real tasks, such as handling money or working out quantities.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Penwith College, with a tutor guiding you through topics at each stage. Assessment is by a written external exam set by TQUK. You'll have an initial assessment before the course begins so the centre can confirm Level 1 is the right starting point for you and plan your learning accordingly.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Penwith College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Retail assistant: handling cash, stock counts, and pricing
Care assistant: recording measurements and calculating medication doses
Warehouse operative: working with quantities, weights, and delivery records
Administrator: using spreadsheets and basic data entry
Catering assistant: measuring ingredients and managing orders
Construction labourer: reading measurements and calculating materials
What you could study next
Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification in Maths: the recognised GCSE maths equivalent. Many employers and colleges ask for Level 2, so this is the natural next step.
GCSE Maths: if you want a traditional GCSE grade, you can sit this after building your skills at Level 2.
Vocational qualifications at Level 2 or 3: many courses in health and social care, business, and construction require a maths qualification at Level 1 or above as an entry condition.
