Discover everything you need to know below — from key insights to helpful tips that make a difference.
Overcoming Learned Helplessness in Maths
‘Learned helplessness’ occurs when we allow past experiences or perceived limitations to shape our future behaviours — often preventing progress. This is especially common when it comes to subjects like Maths.
“A child who performs poorly on math tests and assignments will quickly begin to feel that nothing he does will have any effect on his math performance. When later faced with any type of math-related task, he may experience a sense of helplessness.”
Source: Very Well Mind
What Might Be Holding You Back?
Negative past experiences can trigger thoughts such as:
- It reminds me of school
- I don’t want to do it
- I’m rubbish at Maths
- It’s hard to remember everything
- It’s not my apprenticeship area
But just because something was difficult in the past doesn’t mean it always has to be. Maths helps us put life in order, supports our reasoning, develops problem-solving and even enhances communication skills. Everyday tasks — like calculating your supermarket total — are all part of ‘doing maths’ without realising it.
Maths in Apprenticeships and the Workplace
Functional Skills, including Maths, are embedded into apprenticeship programmes and are essential across most sectors — whether you’re working out staffing budgets in retail or calculating margins in customer service.
Importantly: Apprentices cannot sit their End Point Assessment (EPA) without having first achieved their Maths and English qualifications. Even if you already hold these, your training will continue to strengthen and support your skills.
Top Tips to Build Confidence in Maths
- Study regularly — make Maths your friend and give yourself time to build confidence
- Complete past exam paper practice
- Use short, timed study bursts
- Show your workings — understand your process, not just the final answer
- Talk to your trainer about any worries or barriers
- Commit to overcoming challenges with a positive mindset
May 18th is National Numeracy Day — a great time to focus on supporting colleagues or apprentices with their maths development.
Celebrate Maths — it’s everywhere!