"You work it out - I'm terrible at maths." How often do you hear this, or even say it? Why is it ok for us to blatantly admit we're bad at maths, for instance, when we can't work out the bill at a meal but it's highly unlikely we would ever - for instance - say, "You order from the menu for me, I can't read." 

Also too commonly heard is people talking about how the maths they learnt at school they never use again. But perhaps part of the reason for this is not that what we're taught isn't useful but the fact we're not always taught about how it relates to our lives. We all use maths every single day - planning a journey, working out the best deal when shopping or budgeting and paying bills - whether we realise it or not.

So how would you like to be taught maths? What maths would you like to learn that would be most useful and relevant to your life? I believe that this is the reason why Functional Skills Maths qualifications are becoming so popular. What they give you are not only maths skills and knowledge but also the ability to use that knowledge in different scenarios - both in work or life. 

The ability to apply maths skills at work is also a high priority for the vast majority of employers. Too many have told us that their current workforce either don't have the maths skills, or the confidence to apply what they know in a work context - or both. Employers want this addressing 'urgently'. So by improving your maths, you will not only become more confident but you can also make yourself more employable, increase your chances of a better career and fulfil your potential rather than being held back in low-paid and unpredictable jobs.

But what's also vital to remember is how much the world of work is going to change in the near future...and will keep changing. Just think how much your working day is different to how it was 20 (if you're old enough!), 10 or even five years ago? We are currently improving Functional Skills qualifications - and the way they are taught - so that they will not only help you cope with those changes but to meet the future with confidence so you can thrive in your career and not just in your current job. Please take advantage of the opportunities to learn maths through unionlearn - it could change your life for the better.