Swindonians have been talking about the benefits of taking part in free adult learning courses, designed to build confidence and practical skills in everyday maths.
Funded by the Department for Education and delivered through Swindon Borough Council’s Multiply programme, these courses have been supporting local residents and workers since 2022 with more than 900 people taking part.
The courses focus on practical maths skills including reducing anxiety around numbers, building basic numeracy skills and increasing work-related maths skills. The courses have also helped families with budgeting and cost-saving tips as well as helping parents and carers understand how to help their children develop their own numeracy skills in fun and affordable ways.
David recently attended one of the Multiply courses to develop his maths skills and gain a maths qualification. He said: “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to improve my maths. When I started my maths lessons, my tutor was very helpful and very patient with me. I’m very happy with my teachers and the support I have received.”
Issy Johnson, a Business Administration Apprentice, achieved her Functional Skills Maths Level 2 qualification with Multiply’s support, having failed the exam twice before. Her success not only restored her confidence but also earned her the title of Apprentice of the Year at the Swindon Borough Council Staff Awards.
Her manager, Katharine Mills, praised the initiative, “Issy’s confidence was at an all-time low, and she was on the verge of giving up her apprenticeship. The support she received from Multiply has been transformative. Without it, she would not have completed her apprenticeship.”
Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “As part of our aim to Build a Fairer Swindon, we want everyone to have access to the education they need. The Multiply courses run by the Council are a fantastic way for residents to improve their numeracy skills as well as developing the knowledge and confidence with numbers that they need to succeed in work and everyday life.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our teams and colleagues involved for their contribution, time and dedication to these courses.”
For more information about the wide range of free adult learning courses available, email ACL@swindon.gov.uk or visit www.swindon.gov.uk/adultlearning.
