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Welcome to the May edition of Get Connected: the email newsletter from Manchester Adult Education Service (MAES). It's exam season for many learners across the country, including learners at MAES, and we want to wish all those taking exams at the moment the very best of luck - you got this!
This edition features a spotlight on numeracy, a story of Learning Support, a review of a recent SWAP with Virgin Media, and info on the Manchester Adult Education and Skills Plan.
At MAES we believe in working together and so we’d love to hear from you. If you have any comments or suggestions for features, please email kate.harrison@manchester.gov.uk
National Numeracy Day
Did you know that 18th May is National Numeracy Day? National Numeracy is an independent charity established in 2012 to help raise low levels of numeracy among adults and children and to promote the importance of everyday maths skills.
They want everyone across the UK to be confident and competent in using numbers and data, to be able to make good decisions in their daily life and at work.
They do this in two main ways:
- Raising awareness about poor numeracy levels which exist in the UK, how numeracy differs from mathematics, and promoting the idea that everyone can improve through campaigns such as National Numeracy Day.
- Improving numeracy. Over 350,000 people have registered to check and improve their maths skills with the National Numeracy Challenge, giving them a space to assess and improve on their numeracy at their own pace.
Why is numeracy so important?
Research shows that people with poor numeracy skills are more than twice as likely to face unemployment, are less likely to get a promotion at work, often have poor health and may struggle to manage bills.
MAES maths classes are supportive, welcoming places where you can get the tailored support you need to develop your numeracy skills. Our learners say: “My basic knowledge has improved a lot. I can help my kids with their work now.” “The course helped me to build my confidence.” and “I'm better at maths, I can help my kids at school and I feel more confident now. Actually I'm enjoying it.”
If you want to improve your numeracy in a friendly, adult-only environment, apply now on our website.
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Support to succeed!
As well as our different curriculum teams, we also have an amazing Learning Support team who provide extra help for some students.
KB studied English Skills for Work Level 2 and met up regularly with Vinay in Learning Support. Here she tells us of how that extra support was key to her success:
“I have always had difficulties with learning, which were not recognised when I was a child. I felt very nervous and did not think I would pass the course, but my tutor, Charlotte, encouraged me to continue with the course. I was restless and not always focused in class, but my tutors, Charlotte and Rachel, were always positive and encouraged me with my learning. They made a referral to Learning Support to further help me.
I was assessed by Michelle. We had a great conversation about my difficulties and needs. We were also able to discuss access arrangements for my exams. I was taught 1:1 by Vin, which was really helpful. Whenever I needed more time to understand something in class or I needed to revise a topic, I knew I could do this in the 1:1 lessons. I am very grateful for the extra support.
The course has helped me in my everyday life and work. I write daily reports about the people I care for at work and feel much more confident in doing this. I enjoyed the course and felt fully supported by my tutors and the Learning Support team. I have studied at other colleges but prefer MAES, as I feel it is focused on adults. I prefer to be in a learning environment with peers. I have recommended MAES to three friends already!
Thank you to everyone who has helped me to pass my course.”
Congratulations, KB! We are so pleased the extra support helped you achieve your goals.
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SWAP success with Virgin Media
In March 2022, 14 learners, referred by Wythenshawe DWP, participated in a Sector Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) for Customer Service roles at Virgin Media in Wythenshawe.
The learners took part in a 3 day pre-employment training course before undertaking guaranteed interviews at an open day co-ordinated by Virgin Media and the Work and Skills team at Manchester City Council.
During the pre-employment training, learners:
- researched the roles, job specifications and Virgin Media values (insatiable curiosity, delightfully surprising, heartfelt service, smart disruption, straight up, red hot relevance)
- identified their suitability for the roles by determining their strengths and personal skills
- practised structuring interview responses using STAR method
- explored approaches to being positive and confident at interview
- completed application forms
Learners said "I feel more confident as the course was very engaging." "My biggest takeaway is how to use STAR responses in an interview situation." and "The most useful thing I have learned is how to talk about myself."
Following the pre-employment training course and open day with interviews, ten learners from the Sector Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) were given job offers. Well done to all involved!
We have also worked successfully with employers in different sectors to recruit to their vacancies: Co-Op (HR), Premier Inn (Hospitality), GSTS (Security), and the Civil Service. For employers wishing to partner with us, please email emma.langlois@manchester.gov.uk
Bold ambition for adult education in Manchester
MAES is proud to be part of the The Manchester Adult Education and Skills Plan. By 2025, we want Manchester to be the best city in the UK for adult education and skills. This means that:
- Our residents will be inspired to learn and enabled to develop the skills and attributes they need to succeed in life and work.
- Our employers will value the adult education and skills system and actively engage in shaping programmes that help them to thrive.
- Our providers will deliver world-class education, which leads to quality employment and enriches lives.
- Everyone in our city will value the contribution that adult education and skills makes to achieving our ambitions for Manchester
We’ve made great gains already and the upcoming awards will celebrate all the amazing work happening across the city. These awards celebrate the hard
work and achievements of adult learners in our city, as well as the dedication and expertise of those who have enabled them to succeed.
If you know someone that has gone above and beyond in adult education: learner, teacher or business support, submit your nominations by Sunday 22nd May 2022.
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