Multiply is an adult numeracy programme funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Tailored for adults over 19, it aims to improve adult numeracy skills, confidence with numbers and career prospects. It’s designed to help people looking to boost their career, support family learning, get new qualifications or better manage their finances.
The Multiply programme is being delivered by further education colleges, universities and local councils in collaboration with the community and voluntary sector.
Numeracy is a vital skill and the £5.9m Multiply programme will boost the competence and confidence of over 3,000 adults and in turn enhance their opportunities for further training and employment.
The Department for the Economy is leading on the delivery of the Multiply programme in the north of Ireland. The programme will support the Economic Vision for a regionally balanced economy with good jobs and increased productivity which delivers on decarbonisation.
INITIATIVES
1. Title: Integration through Maths
Initiative: Maths for Speakers of Other Languages
Recognising the importance of numeracy skills for everyone, regardless of native language, this project will target adult learners who needs additional support to improve basic maths skills, build confidence, and participate more effectively in life and work within NI.
Following on from Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) Integration Programme for Asylum Seekers and Refugees (supported participants in learning English and integrating into the community by building relationships and confidence), this intervention will:
- Support participants in managing budgets and daily costs based on their income. It will support participants in finding the most affective way of spending money to ensure it goes further.
- With English becoming participants second language, this programme will provide participants with a forum to practices their English specking skills by communicating with facilitators and tutors in English.
- Embedded within this programme, where possible, participants will obtain either Functional or Essential Skills in Numeracy to a level of their ability (Level 3 Foundation, Level 1, Level 2)
2. Title: Progression through Numeracy
Initiative: Counting on You – Industry Upskilling
Progression through Numeracy tackles the ever-evolving skills needs of the NI Workforce providing targeted training programmes.
- Offering flexible learning Such as online accredited and non-accredited courses, employees will be supported in upskilling in areas such as finance models, data analysis, advanced MS Excel, computerised bookkeeping etc. which will all improve efficiency.
- Offering level 2 in numeracy to apprentices will ensure their career paths remain on track and they obtain their apprenticeship.
3. Title: OU Upskilling
Initiative: Supporting Previous Offenders and Those in the Prison System
OU Upskilling aims to help people face the future with newfound confidence by empowering them with essential numeracy skills. This will equip participants with the tools they need to manage finances, navigate everyday calculations, and reintegrate into everyday society while helping to stop any cycles of reoffending.
- Offering flexible learning such as online accredited and non-accredited courses, offenders will be supported in obtaining valuable numeracy skills, fostering positive change and reintegration into society.
4. Title: Let’s Count…
Initiative: Numeracy Boot Camps & Engaging Mature Learners – Making it Count
Offers intensive training programmes for adults seeking to improve their foundational numeracy skills, targeting individuals who need a confidence boost or specific skills development to progress their careers / everyday lives. Focused instruction and practical exercises in a supportive environment will empower people to overcome numeracy challenges and unlock their full potential, increasing employability and financial literacy, and contributing to a more skilled and numerate workforce.
Sessions with qualified instructors will focus on areas like every day real life such as:
- Household Finances / Budgeting for the Summer Holidays – looking at income and out goings, areas in which budget can be saved, setting aside budget for the summer months etc.
- Nutrition – eating healthy (on a budget)
- Pension Awareness – ensuring people understand their entitlement.
- Basic arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, data analysis
- Online banking apps, calculate discounts, navigate budgeting software etc. to help manage finances confidently and even avoid online fraud.
At the end of the intensive training programmes, participants will be offered a chance to complete an Essential Skills in Numeracy qualification (based on their level of ability), through Gamify.
5. Title: Soft Landing within the Community
Initiative: Bring Your Grown Up
The "Bring Your Grown Up" initiative, developed by Ulster University recognises the role parents play in supporting their children's learning.
Empower parents with encouragement, positive thinking, self-esteem, numeracy skills and understanding of all thing’s numeracy; the ‘Soft Landing’ Community Programmes aim to create a more supportive learning environment at home, potentially leading to improved educational outcomes for children and a more numerate future generation.
Informational sessions will foster communication and collaboration between parents and children regarding maths learning.
At the end of the programmes, participants will be offered a chance to complete an Essential Skills in Numeracy qualification (based on their level of ability), through Gamify.
CONTACT
If you are part of a community group or an organisation that would like to express an interest in Multiply, please send the following details to [email protected]
- Name
- Contact Number
- Email Address
- Postal Address
- Initiative of Interest
- Where did you hear of Multiply
- Any additional information
NOTE FROM FUNDERS
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.
The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
