Our blog shares tips, resources, and updates on training, skills, and courses to help you grow in work, learning, and life.
Participation and Development recognised as STRONG. Functional Skills UK is celebrating the outcome of its recent Ofsted inspection, recognising the hard work of its staff, tutors, partners and learners across the South East.
Functional Skills UK has introduced the nationally recognised UKHospitality Skills Passport across its Hospitality Skills Bootcamps, awarding 36 passports across cohorts in Brighton, Guildford and Camberley and giving learners an industry credential that employers value.
Ten local residents have secured jobs with the new Marks & Spencer Foodhall in Godalming through a SWAP delivered by Functional Skills UK, the DWP and M&S, combining hospitality training, work experience and employer partnership to move jobseekers into employment.
FSUK's community engagement work connects local people with employers. Our partnership with Brighton Palace Pier and Brighton Job centre saw 15 of 19 Skills Bootcamp learners secure jobs at the Pier, work that also drew praise from the Minister for Employment during a visit to Brighton.
Managing Director Paul Smith has launched a Brighton British Values Walking Tour for ESOL learners, bringing the five British Values to life through local history. Launched Summer 2026, it helps learners practise English, build confidence and connect with their community.
At Functional Skills UK, supporting learners starts with supporting staff. The team recently enjoyed a pottery painting afternoon in Brighton, alongside wellbeing walks, step challenges and staff-led activities that help colleagues recharge, connect and keep a healthy work-life balance.
Functional Skills UK announces a new education partnership with RACPD (Royal Artillery Centre for Personal Development), supporting lifelong learning and progression for serving Armed Forces personnel and veterans preparing for civilian careers beyond military service.
Functional Skills UK welcomed Kerry Giles in November 2025 as Additional Support and Functional Skills Specialist, strengthening the organisation's commitment to inclusion and personalised support for learners.
A SWAP partnership between Functional Skills UK, Aramark and the DWP helped ten local residents secure employment linked to Thorpe Park. Fifteen learners completed the bespoke March programme and all were offered Aramark interviews, with ten securing jobs in hospitality and catering.
Certificate of Appreciation Awarded to Paul Smith On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine, Paul Smith, Managing Director of Functional Skills UK, was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by Stand for U Brighton & Hove in recognition of sustained humanitarian...
Supporting Stand for Ukraine It is always a privilege to work with people who turn compassion into action. Recently we had the chance to meet with Iryna Olyanovska from Stand for Ukraine, the UA charity representative in the photo, to support the incredible work their team continues to do. At...
What to Expect from an ESOL Course: Levels and Benefits Learning English can change how you experience daily life in the UK. Whether you want to feel more confident speaking to others, improve your job prospects, or support your children with school, an ESOL course can help you take that next...