Numeracy skills are vital for everyday life and work. Adults with a good grasp of numbers have a greater chance of getting a job and having higher wages.
If you need help to improve your confidence with numbers, there is a range of help available, and much of it supported by the government and free of charge.
Why are numeracy skills important?
Being number-confident can help you take control and be better prepared to deal with everyday tasks, including managing personal or work finances, helping children with homework, working out how to split a bill between friends or even baking.
It can also lead to greater access to employment opportunities, higher wages or prepare you for further study.
How can I boost my numeracy skills if I don’t have the right grades?
Adults can get help, including by accessing fully funded maths courses to gain either a GCSE or a Functional Skills Qualification.
If you don’t already have a GCSE or O Level at grade C or above in Maths (a 4 under the new grading system), or an equivalent qualification and you want to improve their numeracy skills, you may be eligible for this support.
What other help is available for numeracy?
We are also rolling out our new Multiply programme to local areas across the country, which offers a range of free, flexible courses and activities designed to fit around people’s lives.
The free courses and activities are available on a part time or intensive basis. They boost opportunities for people to take the first steps into maths learning.
This allows people to take a formal qualification that will open doors for them and help them to progress and secure well-paid jobs.
Shaunna 30, completed a free Maths course at her local college funded by the government and has never looked back, she said:
I was bullied at school which led to me leaving at 15 with no formal qualification in maths. After my daughter was born, I realised I wanted to get into teaching, but my maths skills were poor, and I had an irrational fear of doing maths.
The maths course I completed was a great stepping-stone as it gave me the skills and the confidence boost I needed to go on to further study. Also, I now enjoy maths which is something I never thought possible.
Following this course, I went on to achieve an English, Science and Maths GCSE, and have recently finished university this year receiving the Dean's Award for my contribution to primary science. With the confidence I have gained from improving my numeracy skills as an adult, I can now continue my learning journey and I plan to complete a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) qualification soon.
How do I sign up?
If you’re interested in accessing free support with maths and boosting your earning potential, you can take our Multiply quick quiz or have a look at what math courses available near you here.