Closing the Skills Gap with Core Maths
In an ever-evolving job market, where analytical and critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity are paramount, the demand for a highly skilled workforce has never been more vital. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 underscores these skills as essential for the workforce of 2025. Yet, many businesses face a significant skills gap, with school leavers often lacking these crucial competencies.
One promising solution already in place that is not that well known in business circles is the Core Maths qualification.
Designed to equip students with essential quantitative and transferable skills, Core Maths prepares young people for the modern workforce, addressing the skills gap head-on.
Core Maths was created in partnership with employers, and its objective is to enhance the employability of young people, making it an important qualification to support employers’ needs.
Core Maths currently has around 13,000 entries. Nationally 42% of schools and colleges, offering Level 3 qualifications, offer Core Maths to their students. This means that many students are being denied the opportunity to gain skills that can improve their future outcomes. Extra government funding was released in 2024 to boost the take-up of Core Maths, so this number is expected to grow significantly, especially if coupled with a consistent message that it is valued by employers.
The key take-away: spread the word about Core Maths
Businesses, large and small, are uniquely positioned to help turbo-charge the take up of Core Maths to further boost employability skills in the workforce.
Spreading a consistent national message that Core Maths is a qualification valued by employers will encourage more schools and FE colleges to take up the funding available and offer Core Maths as an option to their students.
Likewise, the more noise there is about how employers value Core Maths, the more students and parents will become aware of the employability skills it brings and seek out colleges that offer Core Maths to add to their CVs.
In the remainder of this article, we will explore what the Core Maths qualification is, its significance and impact on employability, and how businesses can support and benefit from this valuable qualification.
What is Core Maths
Core Maths is a post-16 qualification aimed at students who have achieved a grade 4 or above in GCSE Mathematics. It not only focuses on the quantitative skills necessary for a variety of professional contexts but also equips learners with key transferable skills such as problem-solving, analytical and critical thinking. It can be studied alongside academic courses, such as A levels, as well as vocational courses – therefore broadening the curriculum for learners
Topics covered in the qualification include:
- Financial Maths - Use of real interest rates, growth and depreciation; working with exchange rates, commission and buy/sell rates; taxation.
- Statistics and Probability - Interpretation and presentation of data; analysis and communication of risk.
- Critical Analysis - Using data to defend/support an argument and assess the validity of an argument, recognising misleading information.
- Modelling - Using spreadsheets, optimisation, and cost-benefit analysis.
- Estimation - Practical approximation; Fermi estimation.
Why should employers be interested in Core Maths?
By supporting Level 3 Core Maths, employers can help cultivate a workforce equipped with essential skills that are highly valued across industries. Here are key areas where this qualification makes a significant impact:
- Data Analysis and Interpretation - In today's data-driven world, the ability to analyse and interpret data is invaluable. Level 3 Core Maths emphasises statistical analysis and data interpretation, enabling employees to make evidence-based decisions that can drive business strategy and operational efficiency.
- Advanced Problem-Solving - Businesses face complex challenges that require innovative solutions. Level 3 Core Maths teaches students to approach problems methodically, using logical reasoning to break down issues and develop effective solutions. This skill is essential in project management, research, and development roles.
- Financial Acumen - Financial literacy is fundamental to both personal and professional success. The curriculum of Level 3 Core Maths includes modules on personal finance, budgeting, and financial planning. Employees with these skills can manage resources more effectively and contribute to the financial health of their organisations.
- Effective Communication of Complex Information - Clear communication is key in any business setting. Level 3 Core Maths trains students to present data and numerical arguments in an understandable manner, fostering better communication within teams and with stakeholders.
- Technological Proficiency - With the increasing integration of technology in the workplace, mathematical skills are more relevant than ever. Level 3 Core Maths prepares students to use technology for mathematical modelling, simulations, and problem-solving, enhancing their ability to adapt to technological advancements.
Conclusion: The Value of Core Maths in the Workplace
“Whether in retail, healthcare, the service sector, transport or manufacturing, the UK will only secure and strengthen its competitive position in the global economy if it has a future workforce with solid numeracy and financial management skills. The new Core Maths qualification is an excellent way to ensure British employers have a ready pipeline of young talent with the maths skills they need” Dame Fiona Kendrick, Chairman and CEO of Nestlé UK and Ireland (Retired)
Core Maths stands out as a crucial qualification for the modern workforce, addressing the significant skills gap many businesses face today. By equipping students with essential quantitative and transferable skills, Core Maths ensures that school leavers are well-prepared for the demands of the professional world.
There is huge scope to increase the number of young people with a Core Maths qualification each year. Over 200,000 students who pass their GCSE maths choose not to continue with any form of maths. This makes Britain an outlier compared to the vast majority of OECD countries, where studying maths and developing quantitative skills continues until the age of 18.
Spread the word! If young people and parents know Core Maths qualifications are valued by employers, it will become standard for young people who would previously have stopped studying maths post-16 to choose to study Core Maths. This will equip our young people with practical maths and data skills they need for the workplace.
For more information about Core Maths
Visit the AMSP website to find out more about Core Maths: Don’t just believe everything that you read in an article!
You will find more information about Core Maths and its benefits to young people and businesses, including:
A collection of videos showcasing young people on how studying Core Maths has impacted their career.
Information on how Core Maths provides students with reduced offers to certain courses at some universities.
Work with us at the AMSP: We collaborate with employers and universities across the country in a number of ways, including:
- Showcasing businesses to reach their future workforce.
- Hosting career panels.
- Guiding students on different maths pathways and essential maths skills that can help with their future careers.
You can find out more about the Core Maths qualification and how we can help you connect with schools and students at our webinar Reaching your future workforce – Tuesday 23rd July 12pm.
Rachel Beddoes
Rachel.Beddoes@MEI.org.uk
Stakeholder Engagement and Careers Lead on The Advanced Mathematics Support Programme that is managed by MEI (Mathematics in Education and Industry).
