The numbers add up as Multiply proves to be a programme you can count on
Unlocking potential, improving budgeting skills amid a cost-of-living crisis, and enhancing career opportunities.
This is what the UK government-funded Multiply programme has been achieving through its free and flexible online Numeracy For Life course.
More than 120 adults aged 19 or older, currently living in Flintshire, and without a GCSE or equivalent qualification in mathematics, have taken advantage of the support.
Run through COPA, formerly North Wales Training, the course helps people take control of their future and boost confidence.
The programme was open to anyone looking to:
- Boost numeracy skills as a parent
- Prepare for independent living
- Catapult a career with enhanced skills
- Develop skills ready for employment
- Elevate the numeracy of a workforce
- Prepare for a basic skills assessment
- Master numeracy for money management
The feedback has been eye-catching, with one learner saying: "I would highly recommend completing the Multiply course, not just to help you with employment but it also helped me build on my budgeting skills.
“With the current cost-of-living crisis, understanding savings/percentages really helps save those pennies.”
It was a similar story for another of those completing the course as they said: “Taking the Multiply course helped me develop my numeracy skills, giving me the confidence and practical tools to tackle real-world maths challenges.”
A fellow course member added: “I have found Multiply helpful with getting back into maths. I have found the course is efficient and easy to understand.
“I enjoyed that it was online, and I was able to complete it in my spare time and was able to start it and then come back to it.
“And the style of questions was simple and easy to understand.”
The programme also helped employers empower their workforce by enhancing productivity, reduce errors and costs, and improve decision making.
COPA head of contracts Ruth Collinge was pleased to see the impact that Multiply has had on the region.
She said: “We’ve managed to engage more than 120 people, who have been able to build confidence in mathematics.
“There has been a wide range of reasons why individuals have signed up for the course, whether that be to help their children, boost their own ability, or prepare for things such as apprenticeships.
“To have helped so many people in their quest to better themselves is fantastic.”
The project has received £113,585 from Flintshire’s allocation of the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Councillor Chris Dolphin, Flintshire County Council cabinet member for economy, environment, and climate, said: “This course has truly highlighted the impact the UKSPF has been able to have in the community.
“Mathematics is needed throughout our daily lives from paying for goods to measuring items at home, so to be able to assist those who have been low on confidence, or in some cases ability, is wonderful.”