Adults in Shetland who want to improve their skills with everyday numbers and maths are being encouraged to take part in new numeracy classes, funded by the UK Government’s “Multiply” Programme.
Classes are free and are designed to increase confidence with numbers, for those taking steps towards formal qualifications, or employment opportunities, or for parents wanting to increase their own numeracy skills to help with children with homework. Learning will cover areas such as fractions, percentages, understanding wage slips, budgeting, using number games at home, as well as tips, tricks and apps to help with everyday challenges.
The classes are being delivered by Shetland Island Council’s Adult Learning team and partners, including UHI Shetland and the Council’s Youth and Employability team. Sessions will be offered at community venues during October and November, and bespoke sessions can also be delivered for specific numeracy skills required in the workplace.
Local numeracy classes are part of the UK Government’s £560 million Multiply programme, to help adults and businesses to gain skills across the UK, delivered through the Shared Prosperity Fund.
June Porter, Team Leader for the Council’s Community Development Team said: “Anyone can lose confidence with numbers. Good numeracy skills can unlock job opportunities and lead to higher wages or prepare you for further study. They are also essential in everyday life, such as helping children with homework and budgeting skills. We want to make it easier for adults to speak openly about the challenges they face using numbers, and support people in ways that will make a real difference.”
Chair of Education and Families Committee David Sandison said: “This investment from the UK Government extends the services provided locally by our Adult Learning and Youth and Employability teams, and UHI Shetland. While schools are vital to make sure that children and young people build a positive relationship with numbers, the issue for adults often goes under the radar. This focused work will help us help everyone to get the essential numeracy skills they need to get on in life.”
Details of forthcoming classes can be found on the LearnShetland.com website and also on the Council’s “Shetland Community Hub” Facebook page at www.facebook.com/shetland.community.hub/
For more information on these and other classes, please contact Adult Learning on 01595 743888, or email classes@shetland.gov.uk.