Building skills on National Numeracy Day

Hartlepool Borough Council’s Hartlepool Jobs & Skills team organised a range of free activities for all ages including craft sessions, puzzles and games – all involving using numbers.

Councillor Matt Dodds, Vice-Chair of the Council’s Growth and Regeneration Committee, joined local resident Iwona Kalnias as they tried their hand at making a bumble bee which tested their measuring skills and involved using a compass and protractor.

(Left to right) Councillor Matt Dodds and Iwona Kalnias try their hand at making bumble bees, with help from Tracey Robertson and Kathy Dales of Hartlepool business Something Positive Solutions which ran this activity stand at the event

Councillor Dodds said: “We had a wonderful time and it’s great to see people coming together and enjoying themselves, but there’s also a serious message here.

“In the new Council administration’s ‘Building for Growth’ mission we have our sights firmly set on expanding the local economy and maximising the opportunities for current and future generations of Hartlepool residents to access well-paid jobs. 

“A key element of that is ensuring the creation of a local workforce that can thrive in new jobs, sectors and industries.

“Numeracy and literacy is vital to that, which is why events like today are so important – helping people explore numeracy in a fun way and introducing them to the wide range of courses and support which our fantastic Hartlepool Jobs & Skills team can offer.”

Iwona Kalnias – who is studying for a Community Interpreting qualification through the Jobs and Skills team using her native Polish – said: “Events like this are so helpful for people and learning about numeracy is such an important skill for residents of all ages.

“It’s lovely to see people having such a good time and parents and children having fun and learning together.”

For more information about Hartlepool Jobs & Skills visit www.hartlepooljobsandskills.com or call 01429 868616.