Following a successful pilot in March 2023 – FC Fashion Technology Academy Leicester has been selected to run another Multiply Programme for the fashion and textile sector.
Multiply is the government’s new £560 million programme to help transform the lives of hundreds of thousands of adults across the UK. The programme focuses on numeracy and the ability to understand and use maths in daily life, home, and work.
FCFTA Leicester led the way in piloting an adapted Multiply course with the aim of highlighting the importance of numeracy skills across various job roles in the fashion and textiles industry. The programme is free to those that are eligible, with thanks to the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
The initial pilot was delivered throughout March and was a great success. However, as with all pilots there has been the opportunity to review, evaluate and make amendments for further roll out. The new, reviewed course will be shorter in delivery, but it will maintain its industry focus and continue to be relevant to those that work, or want to work in the garment and textile industry.
FEL Deputy CEO Jackie Bertram commented: “The Multiply programme provides a great way to make numbers relatable. It also allows learners to understand different job roles in the garment and textile industry. FCFTA are delighted to have been selected to deliver another programme and apply the learning from the pilot to the new course.
“Numeracy is an excellent fit with our ready-to-work course offering which complements the technical skill courses available at FCFTA Leicester.”
Studies show that people who improve their numeracy skills are more likely to be in employment, have higher wages, and better wellbeing, and will be more able to progress to higher levels of free training to secure a skilled job. The UK government is keen to support adults who don’t already have a GCSE grade C/4 or higher in Maths with free courses that relates to their specific line of work.