The employment structure of the EU is changing dramatically as unskilled and semi-skilled jobs disappear due to technology and changes in working practices. Adults with poor basic skills are most likely to be limited to such work, experience unemployment and according to the Moser report (1999) twice as likely to have been made redundant or sacked from their first job. It is well - documented in OECD and national reports (UK 'Skills for Life', Moser), that numeracy competence is of particular concern with average levels of need some 15% above those of literacy.
Main aim of the Leonardo project SUNIVOT - Ref. N. UK/03/B/P/PP-162_051 is to enhance the employability and adaptability of adults with low basic skills by improving numeracy skills. Higher levels of success in gaining vocational qualifications is the key objective.
The project started in October 2003 and since then the partners in the project carried out a series of activities: Preparation of an analysis of numeracy need in post-16 vocational training organisations in 6 countries. Implementation of an audit of the numeracy skills needed to successfully complete vocational courses in 6 countries. Research on existing assessment and support provision in numeracy for vocational students. Analysis of gaps between numeracy skills requirements on course and individual numeracy levels. Development, test and adaptation of 4 support packages each linked to key numeracy skills areas and put into the vocational context.
Activities, results and support packages were presented in a dissemination event that took place in Brussels on 20/9/2006. Representatives from many countries and Regional Offices in Brussels were present at the event and exchanged information and opinions with partners. Materials that were produced during the project (research results, numeracy tests, support packages etc) were distributed to attendees having the opportunity to get feedback and promote them for further dissemination and possible adoption by other organisations.
The partnership:
WAKEFIELD COLLEGE - Wakefield United Kingdom,
HOTELFACHSCHULE PIRNA - Germany
SOUTH CARELIA VOCATIONAL COLLEGE - Finland
KLAIPEDA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES - Lithuania KRISTINEGYMNASIET - Sweden
LEARNING & SKILLS COUNCIL, Bradford-United Kingdom
KEK KRONOS LTD - GREECE
For further information about the project please visit www.sunivot.org or contact Chris Hopwood, Skills for Life Programmes Manager, Wakefield College email c.hopwood@wakcoll.ac.uk