New free courses and activities are on offer for adults in Plymouth who want to improve their maths skills, thanks to the Government funded Multiply programme.
Multiply is aimed at adults who do not already have a GCSE grade C/4 or higher in Maths or an equivalent subject, and hopes to give people the skills they need to progress in their careers and secure well paid jobs.
The free courses are available to local residents on either a part time or intensive basis and will be offered in flexible settings. These courses will soon be available to book through On Course South West.
People who improve their numeracy skills are more likely to be in employment, have higher wages, and better wellbeing. Around 17 million adults in England – half of the working-age population – have the numeracy skills of primary school children. Poor numeracy skills can hold people back from having the confidence to get on in life and into work.
Plymouth City Council has been awarded £1.3 million funding from the government’s £2.6 billion UK Shared Prosperity Fund to offer tailored courses that meet the needs of the local community.
There will be courses for beginners and those who want to build on the foundations of their maths knowledge, to more advanced offers such as GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Qualification. Employers will also be able to request support to help their teams with maths skills.
Councillor Charlotte Carlyle, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Children and Young People, said: “We’re delighted to be offering these free numeracy courses through the Multiply programme. They will help people across Plymouth to become more confident with their numbers, whether they need help with budgeting and managing their bills or they’re looking to improve their potential at work and develop into higher skilled, higher paying roles. As someone who personally struggled with maths, I know the benefit having this support can bring.
“A lack of knowledge in maths and numeracy can feel like it’s holding you back from achieving your highest potential so this offers a fantastic opportunity for all of our local residents to level up, and all for free.”
Businesses that develop their employees’ numeracy skills can also boost productivity, increase profits and improve employee retention. Local employers will also benefit from the scheme, with courses and activities tailored to a particular area or jobs at no cost to them offered to their employees to help boost their numeracy skills.
Research also shows that sectors with a high proportion of workers with basic or advanced numeracy skills have experienced the most rapid growth in employment over the last decade.
Cllr Kevin Bentley, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s People and Places Board, said: “We are pleased to see the Government working closely with councils and devolved authorities to get the Multiply programme up and running at speed, as they know how best to deliver this much-needed investment and tailor it to local need.
“They are trusted leaders of place with first-hand experience of delivering adult and community learning, as well as other council services which residents rely on, with the broadest reach into the voluntary, community and training sectors, housing associations and local employers. Local government is best placed to engage residents who would benefit from increasing their numeracy skills to get on in life and work.”
To find about more about Multiply visit the On Course South West website: www.oncoursesouthwest.co.uk/multiply or contact the team on 01752 660713.