Multiply is a new government programme that aims to boosts people’s ability to use maths in their daily life, at home and work. This includes helping people attain a formal qualification to open doors for them (such as into a job, progression in a job, or progression to further study) and building confidence in numbers to support everyday life skills.
It is estimated that 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.
The UK’s numeracy levels are significantly below average for developed countries, with 49% of the UK’s working-age population having the expected numeracy levels of a primary school child. And poor numeracy costs the UK economy £25 billion a year. Struggling with numbers can make people more vulnerable to debt, unemployment, poor health and fraud – all of which have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis and now, the cost-of-living crisis Those who improve their numeracy skills are more likely to be in employment, have higher wages, and better wellbeing.
All adults who need to improve their numeracy (up to and including level 2 or equivalent) will be able to access free flexible courses and initiatives that fit around their lives – whether this is in person or online, at work or in their own time (evenings, part time or intensively). These courses will equip adults across the UK with the numeracy skills they need to fulfil their potential.
The following learning organisations are offering free Multiply courses in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Do you think you could be good at supporting people with their numeracy skills, without having to teach maths? Could you support conversations about numbers by talking positively with others who may feel anxious about maths, inspire them to share their experiences and support them to have a more positive approach towards numbers?
If so, then the Numeracy Champions training could be for you! We are looking for people from all walks of life – especially in the workplace or in the community.
Numeracy Champions don’t teach maths, they act as mentors to build confidence, support positive attitudes, change mindsets and introduce resources to support skills learning. You don’t need to be a maths whizz… far from it! Often, people who may have previously struggled (or may even still struggle) with numbers but have worked to improve and/or are currently trying to improve their numeracy skills can become the best champions, coming from a position of understanding and experience.
The training programme is fully funded by the Multiply project, so if you are involved in supporting adults across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and would like to take advantage of this opportunity, then join the on the programme. The training takes place online and doesn’t take long (just 2 x 3-hour sessions) and you get a CPD Certificate!
Contact: Suzie Dale [email protected]
The free training is open to anyone in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough - the next Numeracy Champions is taking place online on 18 January 2023 and there are sessions running throughout the year.
