The knowledge imparted during the course goes beyond the simple acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills.
From next spring employers will be asked to sign up to the National Numeracy Challenge.
"We now offer the whole package - literacy, numeracy and a meaningful vocational training, " he said.
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That means ensuring primary schools equip children with the basic skills of numeracy and literacy.
First, research suggests that any spillover benefits come almost exclusively from basic literacy and numeracy.
"We need more catch-up and stretch - particularly in literacy and numeracy, " says the education secretary.
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But numeracy is nothing without accuracy and we, like other journalists, are not infallibly accurate.
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And the surveys might test different aspects of literacy, numeracy and science, it added.
This has resulted in low achievement levels for students particularly in literacy and numeracy.
He explained the two key literacy and numeracy targets set out in the programme for government.
In addition to basic literacy and numeracy skills, learners receive a livelihood skills education.
The minister also answered questions on teachers' workload, literacy and numeracy levels and the Welsh-medium education Strategy.
The charity is working with the government to develop a programme helping primary-age children struggling with numeracy.
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So-called edutainment titles teaching children literacy and numeracy skills in an enjoyable way have had some success.
The charity is working on developing a cheap, online tool to give each employee a personal numeracy diagnosis.
The charity, National Numeracy, plans to reach a million adults over a five-year period, starting in the workplace.
Data were collected through questionnaires, individual and group interviews, document analyses, participative observations and literacy and numeracy assessments.
The numeracy tests cover reading graphs and tables, as well as mental arithmetic questions including percentages and fractions.
The topics include Islamic teaching, numeracy, health, general knowledge, local government, beauty tips, food recipes, jokes and riddles.
Learning and delivery styles, entry level training and retraining, and literacy and numeracy opportunities are required throughout life.
Numeracy, for example, is a good indicator of whether or not a homebuyer will wind up in foreclosure.
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The classes cover basic literacy in Khmer, and numeracy combined with health information specific to mothers and children.
National Numeracy plans ultimately to extend the scheme to improve maths standards among people not in employment or education.
Virtually all U.S. children and adults have completed primary school and can demonstrate competency in basic literacy and numeracy.
Chris Humphries of National Numeracy said action was "urgently needed if the UK is not to sink further behind".
It shows that some 200 million young people need a second chance to acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills.
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The CBI recently warned that many employers were unhappy with the levels of literacy and numeracy among school leavers.
"Literacy and numeracy take up so much of the day that all other subjects are being squeezed, " she said.
It has helped improve basic literacy and numeracy a bit, but would work better if it were more rigorous.
The charity was set up in March to combat the UK's low levels of numeracy and negative attitudes to maths.
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