Adding Up to Success: The Benefits of Our Multiply Programme

We all know that numbers play a crucial role in our daily lives, from learning and training to working and managing our finances. However, government data reveals that nearly 50% of working-age adults struggle with numeracy skills, which can hold them back in life. This is why Forward’s Multiply programme is so vital, providing a supportive environment for individuals to overcome their numeracy challenges and unlock their full potential.

Our programme has already supported 280 learners, with 90% struggling with poor numeracy skills and lacking confidence. Many of these individuals had negative experiences at school or college, while others were affected by the pandemic. Additionally, 55% of our learners had self-declared learning difficulties. Despite these challenges, our programme has helped learners to build their confidence and skills, with many reporting improved aspirations for their careers, salaries, and future job choices.

We offer both one- and three-day courses, each designed to provide a fun and engaging learning experience.

Our one-day course focuses on confidence-building activities where learners apply their knowledge to real-world examples through money management and budgeting tasks.

Our three-day course builds on the one-day course, introducing learners to topics such as averages, probability, conversion, exploring angles, working with scale drawings and using coordinates.

Through interactive activities and real-world examples, learners develop a deeper understanding of these essential numeracy skills.

The Results Speak for Themselves

The impact of our Multiply programme has been overwhelmingly positive. On our courses, we’ve seen:

• 75-90% of learners improve their confidence on the day 1 and 3 courses
• Up to 60% improvement in skills and knowledge on our one-day course
• Up to 72% improvement in skills and knowledge on our three-day course
• 40% of learning progressing onto our Adult Skills programme including Functional Skills Maths programmes or other vocational courses

One of our learners, Bella, struggled with numeracy skills and lacked confidence in her abilities. After completing our Multiply programme, Bella reported a significant improvement in her confidence and skills. She’s now pursuing a Functional Skills qualification in maths and is excited to apply her new numeracy skills to her daily life.

“I really enjoyed the course, I dreaded maths, but the Forward Tutors made everything less daunting. I’d usually just avoid maths questions or ask someone else to give me the answer but, on the course, I have learnt how to do it for myself.” – Bella, Multiply Programme Learner

Through our Multiply programme, we’ve seen firsthand that with the right support, anyone can become confident with numbers, regardless of age or background. We’re committed to continuing our programme in East Kent and beyond, providing individuals with the numeracy confidence and skills they need to succeed in all areas of life.

Forward Trust Employment Services Directorate delivers Multiply as part of its wider offer of Adult Skills services.

To apply for a place on Multiply email: ftmultiply@forwardtrust.org.uk