Adults looking to improve their numeracy skills are set to benefit from new courses to be offered by the Isle of Wight council from the end of the month.
Multiply will offer people aged 19-plus who do not already have a GCSE grade C/4 or higher in maths, and need to improve their numeracy, free flexible courses that fit around their lives.
Numeracy programmes for your workforce
Local employers are also being invited to work with the council, and their partnership with the Isle of Wight College, to design and deliver bespoke numeracy programmes for their workforce — at no cost to them.
Led by the council’s Adult Community Learning Service, the programme is being funded by a £666,000 grant from the Department for Education.
Brindley: Courses will be delivered flexibly around people’s need
Welcoming the news, Robert Brindley, the council’s adult community learning manager, said,
“The additional government funding means we can provide a greater level of free numeracy support to our Island community.
“It allows us to offer a person-centred approach, with courses being delivered flexibly around people’s needs, whether that’s at their place of work, in the evening, online, within the local community or offering more intensive and personalised support.
“There will be courses for beginners to more advanced courses such as functional skills qualifications. You will be able to learn at a pace that suits you. Our maths tutors will deliver workshops and support individuals in various towns across the Island.”
Take first steps towards gaining a maths qualification
The innovative programme will support those needing to take the first steps towards gaining a maths qualification, as well as help people use maths to manage their household budgets.
It will work with employers to cover specific maths skills required in the workplace and will also provide courses for parents wanting to improve their maths skills in order to help their children.
Andre: Good numeracy skills may unlock job opportunities and lead to higher wages
Cllr Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for Education and Lifelong Skills, said,
“This is an excellent free opportunity for both individuals and Island employers who want to support their workforce to gain valuable math skills.
“Good numeracy skills may unlock job opportunities and lead to higher wages or prepare you for further study. They also help in everyday life, such as helping children with homework and budgeting money.
“I would therefore encourage any businesses or residents to take up this free offer.”
Find out more
For more information on Multiply, including how to book, please visit the council’s adult community learning Webpage.
Employers interested in getting involved in the programme should contact Rob Brindley at (01983) 817280 or email [email protected]
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
