RESIDENTS aged 19 and over can find out more about the free maths courses on offer across the county during a special Multiply in Essex event at Harlow’s Water Gardens Shopping Centre, on Friday 3 March between 10am and 4pm.

Multiply in Essex is a new programme aimed at improving adult numeracy skills in Essex. Flexible courses are available to residents, who don’t have a maths GCSE at grade C or equivalent, to help them improve their maths skills at home and at work.

The courses can be accessed in person and online, with providers offering a range of different options, depending on what people need help with. Local providers, including ACL Essex, Harlow College, Red Balloon, STC Group and Tiegr, will be on hand at the event to offer guidance and advice about the courses they offer.

Courses range from basic numeracy skills to managing money. Learners will gain confidence with numbers and could gain a maths qualification to help increase their career prospects.  There’s also help on offer for parents and carers looking to support their children with schoolwork.

Cllr Tony Ball, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability said: “Multiply in Essex is a great opportunity for residents to improve their numeracy skills and feel more confident using maths in their everyday life and at work. Knowledgeable training providers will be on-hand at the event to advise people on which course is best to meet their needs and works with their lifestyle.”

He continued: “Engaging with everyday numbers helps demystify maths, and importantly empowers people to support their own children, as well as friends and the wider community. Indeed, with the increased cost-of-living, being able to understand bills and managing our personal finances is more important than ever. Having a maths qualification can also increase your confidence at work and career prospects.”

Multiply in Essex will support people to achieve maths qualifications up to NVQ2 (GCSE at grade 4 to 9 or A*to C). Not having this qualification often prevents people from progressing to NVQ3 and above, as well as limiting the job opportunities available to them. 

Just over half of 16-64-year-olds (51.2%) in Essex hold qualifications in any subject at NVQ3 or above, compared to the national (GB) average of 61.5%.

To discover more about Multiply in Essex, or to  sign up for a course, visit the Essex Opportunities website.