Hull celebrates remarkable success with Multiply scheme

The Multiply programme has dramatically surpassed expectations in its second year, highlighting its effectiveness and impact. Designed to enhance numeracy skills among adults, the programme significantly exceeded the original aims by 338% on learners participating in substantive learning, funded by the Department for Education (DfE).

The scheme, which was introduced in 2022 and will continue into 2025, aims to improve numeracy skills for work and everyday life by providing free courses for adults aged 19 and over who lack a Level 2 maths qualification. This initiative is crucial for those seeking to build confidence with numbers and is essential for personal and professional growth.

The success of Multiply stems from its diverse and targeted interventions, which include foundational courses to boost confidence, financial literacy to help participants manage their money and workplace numeracy developed with employers to address specific job-related skills.

The programme also assists individuals in gaining numeracy skills necessary for certain jobs through intensive courses leading to Functional Skills Qualifications for those without Level 2 maths.

It also supports parents in helping their children and advancing their own skills, aids prisoners and recent releases in gaining essential numeracy skills and provides courses for young adults exiting the care system. Multiply partners with community organisations to ensure the programme reaches the hardest-to-reach learners.

Programme officer and contract manager for Multiply, Claudia Carrizo-Smallwood, of Hull Training and Adult Education, said: “I am ecstatic with Year 2’s results.

“I am so proud of everyone who collaborated on Multiply to make it an incredible success and I want to thank all the partners for their hard work.

“We knew we had done well, but it wasn’t until my performance review with the Department of Education that we realised the extent of our achievement. I am truly blown away by this accomplishment.”

The programme’s success is largely attributed to collaboration with local organisations, including the Humber Learning Consortium, Hull Culture and Leisure, Goodwin Development Trust, Hull Training and Adult Education, Hull Maritime Museum and Learning & Development.

The third year of the programme started on 1 April and the focus remains on expanding its reach and supporting more learners across Hull.

Cllr Linda Tock, portfolio holder for Hull Training at the council, added: “The success we celebrate today is a testament to the strong relationships we have built with our stakeholders in and around the city, as well as their connections with the local communities they serve.

“It’s remarkable that a small city has achieved such outstanding Multiply results nationally. We extend our gratitude to the individuals and organisations that have facilitated our project activities.

“As we approach the final year of the project, we are determined to surpass our previous accomplishments, more fun with numbers and reaching those that would otherwise not engage in maths.

“We look forward to celebrating the year’s achievements and inviting all participants to join us for an end-of-year celebration. Watch out for an invite.”