Maths - some of us take to it like a duck to water, while for others it's like trying to understand a foreign language with a totally different alphabet.
But while it can be hard to relate the algebra, quadratic equations and endless times tables we had to study at school to everyday life, the fact is that we encounter maths all the time - from measuring for DIY to totting up bills, and from estimating distances to following recipes. Above all, if you want to make progress with your career, then maths cannot be ignored.
COPA - the Welsh word for peak or summit - is an organisation committed to helping people gain the skills and qualifications that will make them more employability, helping people take control of their future and boosting their confidence so that they can reach the peak of their potential.
Now, COPA is offering a free and flexible numeracy course to support you in your journey to conquering numbers.
Unlock your potential
Whether you're a young person preparing for an independent life, a parent looking to boost your numeracy skills, or simply someone who wants to get a firm grasp on numbers to help you keep on top of your finances - the Multiply Scheme can help.
The Numeracy for Life course takes three hours in total to complete, but being fully online means that you have the choice of whether you tackle the learning head-on and complete it in one go, or break it up into more manageable chunks that can fit around your everyday life.
Learner Jen said: “I found Multiply to support me with my confidence in maths. The course was much more useful than I expected, it focused on everyday maths which has supported me in my current employment. I now feel confident when working out percentages which was my main worry before completing Multiply.
"I would highly recommend completing the Multiply course, not just to help you with employment but it also helped me build on my budgeting skills. With the current cost of living crisis, understanding savings/percentages really helps save those pennies.”
Fellow course member Beatriz added: “I have found Multiply helpful with getting back into maths. I have found the course is efficient and easy to understand. I enjoyed that it was online, and I was able to complete it in my spare time and was able to start it and then come back to it. And the style of questions was simple and easy to understand.”
Feel more empowered
It's not just in everyday life that a lack of confidence in numbers can affect you, as sometimes a workplace will expect you to have a decent grasp on basic maths for you to progress in your career.
Gaining a better understanding of numeracy can not only boost your confidence at work, but it shows your employer that you are willing to put in the effort to advance in your chosen field.
A good example of someone taking charge of their future to help them feel more empowered at work is Jack. He said: "I completed Multiply to support my work with young children in care. I feel more confident supporting them in classrooms after refreshing my numeracy skills."
But it's not just employees taking a step towards feeling more confident with numbers - businesses can also apply for their workforces to sign up to the course too.
The Multiply course can help whether you're a business owner wanting to reduce errors and costs, a manager aiming to enhance workforce productivity, or a company that wants to offer better financial empowerment to your employees.
Am I eligible for the course?
The COPA Multiply course is a scheme that is fully funded by the UK Government and is therefore free to anyone who meets the following criteria:
- You currently live in Flintshire or Wrexham
- You are over the age of 18
- You don't already hold a maths GCSE at Grade C or equivalent or feel that Multiply would benefit your career or progression into employment
Speaking about how the Multiply course can help you progress in your career or feel more confident in everyday life and how it has already helped numerous people feel more empowered with numbers, Numeracy for Life engagement officer, Mairi Chaplin said: "Beatriz and Jen have both worked hard to achieve their Multiply certificates.
"It can be difficult to find time for self-directed study, but both have done a great job at working through the flexible course alongside work commitments and being parents.”
In-person workshops
Online courses aren't for everyone, so COPA has set up two workshops that people can come to in person - one in its Wrexham office at 57 Regents Street, LL11 1PF (Thursdays, 11am-12pm) and one in Plas Madoc Leisure Centre at Llangollen Road, Acrefair, Wrexham, LL14 3HL (Thursdays, 1pm-2:30pm).
Rather than sitting behind a computer and becoming frustrated with the maths problem in front of them, learners can come along, have a chat with the COPA team and their fellow participants, and enjoy socialising with people that are on the same journey as them.
There is no need to book in advance, or even register - just turn up, and you can register there and find out more about the course.
There's also no need to bring any IT equipment, as iPads will be available to use - and if you need a push take note that free Easter eggs are offered to anyone who starts the course for the rest of March! COPA will be donating Easter eggs to a range of local charities too.
To find out more about how you can boost your confidence with numbers and to apply for the online Multiply course, visit the COPA website here or call the friendly team on 01492 543 431.
