FREE maths courses are being made available at a new venue in Leicester to help people improve their numeracy skills.
The Multiply Hub has been set up in the workspace at The Gresham – the former Fenwick’s building on Market Street.
Multiply courses will help adults aged 19 and over to improve their everyday maths abilities and build confidence. Anyone who doesn’t have a maths GCSE of a grade C or above – or equivalent level of qualification – can access a free maths course through Multiply.
The courses are funded by the Government’s Skills for Life programme and delivered by the city council’s adult education service.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “We know that skills shortages are causing real problems in the labour market across the UK – and we also know that providing a skilled workforce isn’t just good for business, it’s good for people, helping them to achieve their goals and improve their wellbeing.
“Maths skills are vital, but are often overlooked, and people can find maths quite daunting. The new Multiply Hub – as well as being a great space in one of Leicester’s most well-known buildings – will aim to build up people’s confidence with simple, effective and manageable learning techniques delivered by expert tutors.”
The Multiply courses will be tailored to people’s needs, so that they can help people at a range of levels, working individually or in small groups. Learners will be able to focus on what they want to improve. This could include:
- Help to complete daily tasks more easily, such as measuring ingredients and working out the time
- Help to overcome any fear of maths
- How to understand household finances and budgeting
- The maths skills that will help you to get a job or set up your own business
- Support with numeracy to help you move up in your current job role
- Progress onto higher levels of training and education
- How to help your children with their homework
Shamim, a learner from Saffron Lane, said: “I wanted to address the problems I have always had with my numeracy skills, so I enrolled onto a course with Leicester Adult Education. I’m so glad that I did because I now love maths and my confidence is through the roof. My tutor, Rehana, genuinely wanted us to learn and succeed which motivated me even more. I would encourage anyone to go to the Multiply Hub and join a maths course. It can really change your life – it changed mine.”
The Multiply Hub also offers drop-in advice, information and guidance on maths courses, plus initial assessments so that people can find out what level they are working at. Drop-in sessions are available from Monday to Friday, from 10am-3pm.
To find out more about the huge range of courses run by the city council’s Leicester Adult Education Service – and to book online – visit the service's new-look website