Hull City Council’s Multiply programme, aimed at improving adult’s numeracy skills, has come to an end with remarkable success.
In three years, it engaged with 4,963 learners and provided them with the opportunity to progress into further learning, increase confidence and gain employment.
Multiply, a DfE-funded scheme through UK Shared Prosperity Fund and managed by Hull Training and Adult Education, set out to help adults aged 19 and over build confidence with maths for work and everyday life.
This success was driven by a wide range of imaginative and practical courses: from financial literacy to workplace numeracy, from parents supporting children with homework to adults preparing for qualifications, and even creative and community-led activities designed to make maths accessible to all.
Multiply reached learners who are often hardest to reach – including care leavers, prisoners, and those managing long-term health conditions – and gave them the tools to thrive.
Cllr Linda Tock, portfolio holder for Hull Training at the council, said: “The success of Multiply is proof of the hard work of our team and partners.
“For it to have such an impact in a small city like Hull is a remarkable achievement and one we must thank individuals and organisations who facilitated the project.”
Multiply’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.
Greater understanding of the programme by project leaders as the years progressed also helped to reach the scheme’s full potential and allow delivery partners to create learning pathways for substantive learning, with Year 3 witnessing almost double the amount learners engaged than was expected.
The programme has continued to support the Maritime Futures course, commissioned by Hull Maritime Project, helping over 130 learners into maritime careers.
This includes Hanna Jenkinson and Megan Dosdale, the first female crew members to join the Hull-registered distant water trawler ‘Kirkella’, as Multiply helped to break down barriers.
Hanna, who originally had booked to attend the course to help land a job specialising as a water sports front deckhand on yachts, said: “This experience is too good an opportunity to turn down.
“I have gained a lot of knowledge and hands-on skills as well as the key qualifications to allow me to get a job on board a sea vessel. It was really exciting to set sail.”
Multiply has also engaged with Hull Culture and Leisure which delivered deliver courses to ex-offenders.
There were designed to help upskill people looking for work in the creative industries and to help develop maths skills in a non-traditional learning environment.
While the Multiply programme may have officially ended, Hull Training and Adult Education continues to offer a wide range of courses designed to boost your confidence and skills in maths and beyond.
Whether you’re looking to improve your numeracy for work, everyday life, or future learning, its supportive tutors and flexible programmes are there to help you succeed in a safe and welcoming environment.
Explore how HTAE can support your journey or get in touch to find the right course for you here.
