The role of literacy and numeracy in career readiness
Revising for GCSE exams is one challenge, but preparing for life after secondary school is another. For many students, the idea of a career can feel overwhelming, which is why it’s vital to build the right foundations early.
Literacy and numeracy are core subjects within the school curriculum, but their relevance and importance go far beyond the classroom. The skills these subjects teach shape how young people communicate, solve problems and manage everyday responsibilities, all of which are vital in the workplace.
As GCSE students start to think about their futures, it’s worth remembering that maths and English are more than school subjects - they are integral to career readiness.
Education recruitment agency Spencer Clarke Group explains how literacy and numeracy can equip GCSE students with the skills they need for the world of work.
What is the link between core skills and employability?
While literacy and numeracy are compulsory, core subjects taught in school, their significance doesn’t end with GCSEs. In fact, some students may go on to study English or maths at A level and university, and often their importance becomes clearer once learners enter the workplace.
Employers expect young people to apply literacy and numeracy skills in practical ways such as processing information efficiently, communicating ideas with clarity, or applying logical thinking to everyday tasks.
2025 GCSE results revealed that 58.2% of all students in England achieved a grade 4 or above in maths and 70.6% of 16-year-olds achieved a grade 4 or above in English. This means that many students entering college, apprenticeships or the workplace will need to resit one or more of these core subjects.
The link between core skills and employability lies in how the literacy and numeracy skills developed in the classroom can enable young people to participate confidently and effectively in the workplace.
Just as choosing GCSE subjects shapes students' futures, so does recognising the role of literacy and numeracy in career readiness. Not only are they crucial for securing employment, they are also important for adapting to new workplace challenges and career progression.
What literacy skills do students need to prepare for their career?
Literacy skills include:
- Reading and writing.
- Speaking and listening.
- Critical thinking.
- Digital literacy.
- Communication skills.
Why is literacy necessary to prepare for your career?
Literacy is essential for all jobs, whether you need to read proposals, write reports, design briefs, or participate in meetings. Literacy is more than just about reading and writing, it’s about critical thinking and communication skills.
Critical thinking is a literacy skill that supports young people in their career journey, particularly when facing job interviews. It is essential for building confidence, allowing individuals to analyse questions thoroughly, provide thoughtful answers and express themselves clearly.
Job interviews are a crucial part of entering the professional world, making effective listening and communication skills essential. The interviewer might ask behavioural and hypothetical questions, and expects the interviewee to analyse information and answer with confidence.
It is essential that young people understand that the literacy skills they gain at school can be used to shape their future success. From succeeding in a job interview to understanding workplace policies, strong literacy skills enable students to adapt to a wide range of career demands.
What numeracy skills do students need to prepare for their career?
Numeracy skills include:
- Problem solving.
- Logical and abstract thinking.
- Understanding data.
- Budgeting and financial literacy.
- Using spreadsheets and software.
Why is numeracy necessary to prepare for your career?
Numeracy and mathematical skills are crucial and play a vital role in ensuring young people are ready to enter the working world. It’s not just about performing basic mathematical skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, or about choosing a career that involves maths. It is also about applying these skills to real-life contexts, from managing personal finances to interpreting data.
Numeracy skills refer to the ability to use, interpret and communicate mathematical information to solve problems and make informed decisions in the workplace.
It is important for GCSE students entering the workforce to know the importance of creating and managing budgets, as well as understanding data. This will help them to manage their finances effectively and apply data insights to improve their workplace performance.
Applying mathematical reasoning is essential and can help young people to make informed decisions and plan effectively. These skills are vital for tasks such as managing resources, identifying patterns and even handling customer queries. This can lead to increased confidence, positive outcomes and a greater chance of career advancement.
Nicole Sherwood
Nicole is the content writer for award-winning education recruitment agency Spencer Clarke Group. Based in the North West, they help schools find skilled teaching and support staff on a daily, temporary, temp-to-perm, or permanent basis.