Businesses across the district are being encouraged to help staff develop their numeracy skills by signing up for a new initiative delivered by Bath College and B&NES Council.
Multiply is a new national Skills for Life programme that has been designed to support businesses to invest in their workforce.
The initiative is being funded through the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Achieve in B&NES team is working with the college to deliver a programme of free tailor-made industry/sector short courses to help local employees become more maths confident in the workplace.
The introductory short courses or one-off workshops will be delivered in the workplace, online or at local community hubs.
Bespoke courses for employers could include:
- Working with databases to build in formulas
- Understanding how to work out accurate costings
- Working with money, including discounts and mark-ups
- Feasibility or understanding ratios and proportions for mixing accurately and without waste.
For employees who want to progress, there will also be options to study for a Level 2 Maths qualification, which is equivalent to a GCSE Maths pass grade.
Councillor Dine Romero, cabinet member for Children and Young People, and Communities, said: “The Multiply Programme gives businesses an opportunity to help local employees improve their numeracy and confidence.
“It could also have a positive impact on their business by helping to improve staff retention and career progression and enabling the company to become an employer of choice.”
The courses are free and available to all employees aged 19 and over who are UK Residents or have a Right to Live in the UK. They must not already have a Level 2 Maths qualification.
Local employers and business owners can find out more about the scheme by emailing [email protected] or [email protected], or by calling 01225 328822.
