WEST Kent College has helped RNID, the largest charity representing the nine million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK, develop the first pack for tutors to teach numeracy and job preparation skills to deaf adults.

The pack can also benefit anyone with literacy needs, or older people returning to work following a career break.

The initiative, funded by the Basic Skills Agency, is part of the Government’s “Skills for Life” strategy, and will increase people’s chances of finding their job of choice.

West Kent College was one of a number of educational establishments who offered valuable feedback to help develop the pack. RNID hopes it will go some way towards addressing the statistic of deaf people being more than four times as likely as hearing people to be unemployed.

It contains two sections, one on financial literacy, the other preparing for a job. The financial literacy section covers everything from checking change and opening a bank account to understanding how to get the best financial deals on the market.

The job preparation section gives advice on CVs, job interviews, and provides an opportunity for group discussion on deaf and hearing cultural differences.

Kenneth Culver, Head of Deaf Services at West Kent College, said: "Jill Bussien, a teacher of deaf people at Kent County Council Specialist Teaching Services and I were happy to help RNID develop materials that benefit deaf people by using a medium and style that is appropriate for them."

Mark Chacksfield, director of RNID Employment Training and Skills Service, said: “Nineteen per cent of deaf and hard of hearing people are unemployed compared with the five per cent national average. “Post 16 education has a role to play in addressing this disparity. Inclusive teaching practices addressing individual needs will lead to a more diverse workforce.”

Miriam Sampson, head of the Adult and Community Learning Fund (ACLF) at the Basic Skills Agency, added: "Too many adults are held back at work and in life in general because they find reading, writing and number work a real problem.

“This pack goes a long way towards addressing the specific training needs of people who have not had the opportunity to develop the skills that most of us take for granted.”