It is widely recognised that to perform successfully in today's world of work, individuals need to develop an effective portfolio of literacy and numeracy skills. These skills play a central role in helping people to make the most of their opportunities and to increase their capabilities in all areas of life.

These skills can be grouped into one of the following depending on where in the UK you live:

Certificate in Numeracy and Literacy (England) Certificates in numeracy and literacy were introduced as part of a government strategy to ensure adults develop their numeracy and literacy skills to a level that supports them both at work and in everyday life. The awards can be completed at level 1 or 2 dependant on the learner's current skill level. We recognise that for our learners to be successful in our society they need to be competent and confident in their communication, spoken, written and essential number skills.

Functional Skills (England) Functional skills in English, Mathematics and Information & Communication Technology (ICT) help people gain the most out of life, learning and work. Functional Skills encourage the individual to solve problems in both familiar and unfamiliar situations with a focus on task based solutions.

Key Skills (England & Wales) Key Skills are designed for everyone, ranging from school pupils to Chief Executives in large companies, and are needed for success in a range of activities in work, education, training and life in general. Key Skills consists of Communication, Application of Number and ICT and are certified skills that enrich vocational qualifications.

Core Skills (Scotland) Core Skills are available for learners who live in Scotland and support vocational awards. Improving Core Skills helps individuals cope with today's rapidly changing world and boosts career prospects. Core Skills are available at seven levels consisting of Communication, Numeracy, Information Technology, problem solving and working with others.

Essential Skills (Northern Ireland) Available in Northern Ireland, Essential Skills consists of Application of Number, Communication and Information Technology. Learners build a portfolio incorporating action based activities and desk top tasks, enabling learners to apply their new skills in both the workplace and everyday life.

With the support of Protocol Skills, the need for these skills can be assessed within a business and for individual learners, and appropriate programmes identified and recommended.

The appropriate 'Skills for Life' can then be studied as either stand-alone qualifications, or as part of a broader learning programme such as an Apprenticeship.