Adult maths and numeracy skills boost for Southend

November 18, 2022

Adults across the city of Southend who want to improve their maths and numeracy skills can now sign up for free courses and activities.

Southend-on-Sea City Council has been awarded close to £1million from the government’s £2.6 billion UK Shared Prosperity Fund to offer tailored courses for individuals and employers as part of the government’s Multiply programme.

Multiply is a new government-funded programme to help adults improve their numeracy skills and is aimed at boosting opportunities for more people to progress and secure better paid jobs. Courses are available to anyone aged 19 and above without a grade C in GCSE Maths (or equivalent).

Southend-on-Sea City Council is working in partnership with Southend Adult Community College to deliver the free courses which are offered in person and online. There will be courses aimed at making people more confident with numbers with the opportunity to progress on to Functional Skills Qualifications, or equivalent.

Ros Parker OBE, chief executive officer at Southend Adult Community College, said: “Whether you’re an employer looking to encourage your team’s ongoing development, or someone wanting to help your children with homework or better manage your budgets, these courses will help people overcome their doubts, gain qualifications and progress in their careers.

Cllr Laurie Burton, cabinet member for children and learning, with responsibilities for adult and community learning, said: “Working closely with Southend Adult Community College, we have made the courses as flexible and accessible as possible so that individuals and business can fit learning and training around life and work commitments.

“We want to close the gap on inequality and give everyone the chance to improve their prospects. People who improve their numeracy skills are more likely to be in employment, have higher wages, and better wellbeing. Poor numeracy skills can hold people back from having the confidence to get on in life and to work.

Employers can register their interest and individuals can sign up for upcoming events on the dedicated Multiply Southend website at: www.multiplysouthend.co.uk

Alternatively, please call 01702 215151 to find out more.