19/07/2023 - Permalink

Blog: It’s all just numbers and symbols…!

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Blog from Invest in Shropshire

Does the word ‘Maths’ send shivers down your spine and bring back memories of sitting in a classroom staring at the board with numbers and symbols on it that mean absolutely nothing to you?

As an employer, are numeracy skills a functional part of your business tasks but an area that your workforce needs upskilling or reskilling in?

If either of these describe you, there is a solution.

‘Multiply’ is a fully funded programme that can help you or your staff to develop key numeracy skills in an individualised and empowering way.

The Multiply programme has been running for nearly 6 months across Shropshire. It’s making a real difference, and free courses are available covering a wide range of topic areas.

For individuals…

  • Are you trying to manage a household budget, in a cost of living crisis with prices of items on a rollercoaster ride and it’s all just blowing your mind?
  • Do you want to support your family with numeracy skills but not sure how or what it all means these days?
  • Do you worry that your numeracy skills are holding you back from taking your next steps in your personal and professional life.
  • Have you wanted to return to learning but worry that without an ‘O’ level or GCSE in Maths, you can’t?

Multiply is a free programme that has been developed for individuals who do not hold an ‘O’ level, GCSE or other maths-related qualification. Each of the courses run through Multiply offer something a little different and are tailored to individual need not a curriculum or qualification framework.

The courses can be delivered in-person in numerous locations across Shropshire and surrounding areas, or online, with plenty of support available.

For employers…

These free numeracy-based courses are an excellent means of enabling your workforce to enhance their skills or gain new ones. These courses can also provide broader professional development opportunities to help staff progress within your organisation.

The courses can be delivered and designed to meet the exact needs of an individual or team.

The programme is designed to boost the confidence of participants in numeracy, boost productivity, reduce the potential for errors, and improve employee retention (when we invest in staff it encourages them to invest their time and energy in you!)

Above all, the sessions are delivered with sensitivity to an individuals’ needs and are designed to empower the learner.

Plus, this training is free.

These courses are proving extremely popular among participants but don’t just take our word for it. Below is some of the feedback we’ve received so far:

“I never thought I’d be able to figure out percentages, but then something in my brain just clicked. It all makes sense now.” Peter, Shrewsbury College Group

“Maths made me feel apprehensive and nervous prior to doing the course. I’m hoping to become a Teaching Assistant so I need these skills. The course eased me back into maths showing me its relevance in the real world.” Aisling, Shrewsbury College Group

“The ability to solve mathematical problems is absolutely essential when it comes to HGV driving. Examples include making calculations based on complex allocations of driving hours, ensuring adherence to the Working Directive guidelines and calculating loads in terms of capacity and weight. For people considering a career in driving this is a terrific programme to help learner drivers gain the confidence they need to master all elements of their job.”
Steve Dulson, Managing Director, Dulson Training Ltd.

If you want to discuss this further, or want to explore the different courses and programme available, please check out:

Alternatively, please email  jo.kent@shropshire.gov.uk who will be able to signpost you to the course providers.