Recognising that everyone has different ways of learning and that to some, maths can be intimidating, the free courses and initiatives set out to focus on subjects which highlight maths as an accessible, everyday activity.
Activities will include practical ways to beat the bills through cookery, including new ways to prepare budget meals, as well as tips to manage home finances and make energy efficient savings.
Anyone looking for more sustainable and creative options might want to consider music, gardening, woodwork crafts, or sewing and fabric design, making items such as attractive and practical garden planters and cloth bags.
To make the activities even more accessible, they’ll be offered at a variety of times and locations - including online – with options for learners to move towards qualifications which allow them to start the training or careers they want.
Cllr Daryll Smalley, the council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Communities, said: “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 into work.
“These activities offered by local providers, including York Learning, will offer adults who do not already have a GCSE grade C/4 or higher in maths or equivalent, and need to improve their numeracy, free flexible activities that fit around their lives.
“Businesses that develop their employees’ numeracy skills can also boost productivity, increase profits and improve employee retention. Local employers will also benefit from the scheme, with courses and activities tailored to a particular area or jobs at no cost to them offered to their employees to help boost their numeracy skills. Also sectors with a high proportion of workers with basic or advanced numeracy skills have experienced the most rapid growth in employment over the last decade.”
To find out more about or to sign up to Multiply, please visit www.yorklearning.org.uk/multiply or for more information on adult learning in York visit www.york.gov.uk/learning, email york.learning@york.gov.uk or call 01904 554277 for friendly, helpful advice.
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