Free courses and incentives to improve your maths skills

The Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA) is running courses in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire to help people develop their maths skills.

Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council have been jointly allocated £2.2 million in funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to deliver the government's new programme called Multiply.

The Multiply programme is designed to support residents who are aged 19 and over, who live or work in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire and who don't have a maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE grade C+).

BESA has developed courses which will help people develop their maths skills for everyday life including money skills, and shopping on a budget. Some courses include incentives to support learners, such as free food vouchers and goody bags of household essentials.

The courses across Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire are being delivered both in person and virtually on Microsoft Teams, and there will be online digital courses available to suit flexible learning.

Dave Hodgson, Elected Mayor of Bedford Borough, said "The Multiply programme is helping residents aged 19 and over to gain a formal maths qualification, completely free of charge. It is a great opportunity to improve your numeracy skills, which will help you to deal with daily challenges and unlock new employment and training opportunities. I would encourage everyone in Bedford Borough to find out more about how the Multiply programme can allow you to access free and flexible courses that will help you build confidence with numbers."

Councillor Kevin Collins, Central Bedfordshire Council's Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration, said "We are pleased to be able to offer these free courses which provide an opportunity for adults to boost their confidence with the maths they use at work and at home. They are suitable for anyone who feels they would like to improve their numeracy skills, so I would encourage residents to find out more on our website. BESA can deliver the courses to local businesses, helping boost the confidence of employees when it comes to numerical tasks like handling money and data. Parents may also benefit, as the courses could help them support their children with homework outside of work."

You can find out more about the courses on offer at https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/90/adult_learning_and_employment_support/1313/multiply_bedfordshire_employment_and_skills_academy