Essential Skills Wales – Communication

City & Guilds Essential Skills Wales (ESW) 

Essential Skills Wales qualifications are nationally recognised and considered equivalent to traditional academic routes, including GCSEs and A-Levels in Wales. 

They offer a practical, skills-focused alternative to exams, developing core abilities in literacy, numeracy, and digital competence. These qualifications are widely accepted by employers, colleges, and universities, and are often required for entry onto apprenticeship programmes.
Qualification Levels and Equivalency:

•    Level 2: Comparable to GCSE grades A*–C (or 4–9) 
•    Level 1: Comparable to GCSE grades D–G 
•    Level 3: Comparable to A-Level standard 
•    Entry Levels (1–3): Foundation stages leading up to GCSE level 

Key Information:

•    ESW qualifications in Communication, Application of Number, and Digital Literacy are commonly required for apprenticeships across Wales. 
•    Level 2 ESW can often be used in place of GCSEs at grades A*–C, helping learners meet entry requirements without prior GCSE attainment. 
•    Courses focus on three core areas: Essential Communication Skills (English), Essential Application of Number (Mathematics), and Essential Digital Literacy Skills. 
•    All courses are available to complete in either English or Welsh.

Courses run regularly at our centre, so you won’t have to wait long to get started. Full support is provided throughout your learning journey to help you succeed.

Cost: £395 per award

Discounts may be available when enrolling on all three courses together.