Posted on Thursday 13th February 2025
Cllr Philip White
A trainee occupational therapist from Cannock is calling on people to not let maths anxiety get in the way after securing his dream apprenticeship.
44-year-old Marcus Quinn from Heath Hayes in Cannock needed a foundation qualification in maths to start an Occupational Therapy apprenticeship but has struggled all of his life with dyslexia.
Now, having completed a Multiply numeracy course through Staffordshire Community Learning , he will be starting his three-year apprenticeship with the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Wolverhampton in April.
Talking about his experiences, Marcus said:
“I’ve always really struggled with maths and never thought I’d be able to do my dream job.
“At school and when I’d tried to get a basic maths qualification before, I’d look at the questions and get stuck, then panic and that was it. And when I did manage to understand something, I’d completely forget what I’d learnt when I left the room.
“My Multiply tutor was great and helped me to study differently. Using these different techniques that were built on what I could do and giving me time in the week to do the homework, that panic just never came back.
“Now I’ve got a functional skills qualification and I’ve been offered an apprenticeship which is great. I can’t wait to carve myself a career out of something I love doing. I would highly recommend a Multiply course to anyone feeling that maths is holding them back.”
Philip White, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Economy and Skills at Staffordshire County Council said:
“Marcus’ story is a perfect example of how taking the first step to tackle those barriers to a rewarding career can be life-changing.
“For Marcus, all it took was the opportunity to learn at his own pace and in the right way for him, and that’s what these Multiply courses are all about. They’re not about rote-learning, they’re about overcoming those worries a step at a time with useful skills that can be used every day.
“His apprenticeship will give him the opportunity to learn and earn and hone those employment-ready skills. Every day will be different. It’s a great achievement.”
Anyone interested in an apprenticeship can find out more at Staffordshire Jobs and Careers service where hundreds of opportunities are advertised all in one place.
Anyone interested in exploring Multiply courses should visit their website.