A new Government-backed programme offering free numeracy courses to anyone aged 19 and over is now being delivered in our area.
Multiply is a programme funded by the Government and aimed at people who do not have a maths GCSE at grade C or equivalent. The programme offers local access to free numeracy courses to build confidence with numbers and gain a qualification if you want to.
The aim of the scheme is to improve skills and unlock job opportunities.
In North East Lincolnshire, the programme is being managed by North East Lincolnshire Council and delivered by a number of partners: Creating Positive Opportunity (CPO), Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education (GIFHE), Learning4Life-GY and The Equality Practice.
Councillor Philip Jackson, Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for skills, said:
“Multiply offers local people a fantastic opportunity to upskill in numeracy for free.
“This programme has the potential to lead to new job prospects, higher wages or new education and training opportunities.
“We have been working closely with the Department for Education and local education providers to make sure that we’re able to start delivering these free courses immediately.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone aged 19 and over who doesn’t have a maths GCSE grade C to have a look at the programmes on offer through Multiply and take advantage of the opportunities available.”
Stephen Ryder, Managing Director of Creating Positive Opportunity, said:
“We are so pleased to be delivering Multiply in partnership with NELC and other providers.
“This gives us the opportunity to build on previous training schemes and employment projects. Our offer will see us introducing light touch maths, programmes supporting parents and care leavers and offering accredited learning up to Level 2.”
Tracy Todd, Director of The Equality Practice, said:
“We are passionate about local women realising their dreams, which can mean gaining a maths qualification. Through the transformational Me-Learning personal development programme, we have worked with hundreds of women helping them to understand their power and potential.
“When women understand their power and potential, they see their value and worth, and when this happens, it gets really exciting – Life is on go!
“We are delighted to be a part of a team that is committed to ensuring all women are empowered and confident to take on new challenges.
“By the time women finish the Me-Learning programme, they are ready to smash life and fly to the next level of achieving their personal goals.
“The next Me-Learning programme starts in January 2023. Are you ready to change your life and earn your wings?”
Sara Morris from Learning4Life-GY, said:
“Our courses are for those whose first language is not English, so maths qualifications can be a real challenge.
“Many jobs require maths and English qualifications, so these courses are a great start for those wanting to get on.”
Rachel Ellis-Jones, Principal of Grimsby Institute, said:
“Adult learners have typically gathered more life experience and accumulated a broader knowledge base than younger students but when it comes to maths not all adults have the skills they really need.
“I would advise anyone thinking about it to take a risk, have a go, what have you got to lose? I can guarantee the teaching staff will make it relevant.
“It could be your first step in getting a new job, help improve your confidence or enable you to help your children with their homework.”
To find out about the opportunities available locally through the Multiply programme, visit www.lincs2.co.uk/courses/adult-courses?provider=multiply-improving-numeracy-for-those-aged-19&academicyearid=5.
To contact CPO, call 01472 236680 or email [email protected].
For more information on Me-Learning, visit www.theequalitypractice,co,uk/me-learning or call or text 07523960723.
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