A TRAINING provider is doing its bit towards improving England’s score in international literacy and numeracy tests.

Blackburn-based Training 2000 said it was tackling the issue with special courses alongside vocational lessons.

Steph Whalley, director of business assurance, said: “As a training provider, we are shocked to discover that England is so far down in the league tables for world literacy and numeracy.

“This is a real concern as it is vital that young people have the necessary qualifications to study with us at Training 2000 and achieve the job they are looking for.

“Literacy and numeracy competency is a key element within our apprenticeship programmes. As these skills are essential in all walks of life, we believe that equipping our learners with a higher literary understanding not only aids their own self- improvement, but gives them a greater advantage when progressing their chosen career.”