Wakefield residents boosted their confidence in Maths with Multiply

More than 150 people in Wakefield have found the perfect equation to improve their maths and number skills, all thanks to a free training programme aimed at removing the stress and anxiety that many feel about maths. 

The Multiply Community Learning programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and commissioned by Wakefield Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, launched in Wakefield in September 2023. The programme was designed to help adults aged 19 and over who don't have a Level 2 Maths qualification - that's the same as a GCSE grade C or Level 4 - build their confidence and improve their skills for work and everyday life.

Communities in areas with higher levels of deprivation, including St George's Community Centre at Lupset and St Swithun's Community Centre in Eastmoor, felt the biggest impact from the programme.

Multiply had a diverse and targeted approach, including entry-level courses to boost confidence, financial literacy to help people manage their money and support parents in helping their children whilst advancing their own skills. 

It's been a great way for people to build their confidence with numbers, whether for work, personal life, or supporting their family.

Hannah Grady, Adult Skills Operations Manager for Realise, said: "We are delighted with the impact the Multiply campaign has had in Wakefield.

Multiply has many different strands, but this one is specifically targeted at local residents and supporting their knowledge and skills development around numeracy to use in everyday life.

We have seen many people increase their numeracy confidence through a soft skills approach, and it's been fantastic to support those people who are the furthest away from the labour market to help provide them with a 'real world' maths solution.

The Multiply Programme has allowed us to create a flexible approach and a holistic view of learning and development to remove the barriers that people face with maths and numeracy.

While the Multiply programme has now concluded, we do still offer English and maths Functional Skills across Wakefield, so there is still an opportunity for adults to enhance their skills in those key subjects."