Second college Launchpad takes off

Young people in Darwen will be able to access new skills training and jobs support following the launch of Blackburn College's second Launchpad.

Working with Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone and Blackburn with Darwen Council, Launchpad Darwen opened this month to tackle the growing issue of NEETs - individuals who are not in education, employment, or training - in the borough.

Based in the town’s youth zone, Launchpad Darwen follows on from the first Launchpad which launched in Blackburn last September.

About 11 per cent of 16–24-year-olds in the UK, approximately one million young people, many with specific health and wellbeing issues and those from difficult backgrounds, are classed as NEETS.

Regionally, NEET levels in Lancashire exceed the national average with more than 4,000 young people in this category.

Dr Fazal Dad, principal and chief executive of Blackburn College, said: “Launchpad Darwen represents a fantastic opportunity to support our local communities and ensure that every young person has the chance to succeed.

“We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind. Through the power of education, skills development and personalised support, we can help individuals raise their aspirations, unlock their potential and progress into meaningful employment.

“This initiative is about changing lives, strengthening communities and creating brighter futures.

“We are proud to be investing in the next generation and helping young people develop the confidence, skills and ambition they need to achieve their goals.”

Delivered by a teaching staff from Blackburn College, led by lecturer in employability Faz Sidat, the Launchpad Darwen curriculum will cover Entry Level 1 and 2, focusing on employability skills. Level 3 courses are tailored towards higher study skills looking at going onto further and higher education.

Faz said: “Some of our first intake at Launchpad Darwen were able to take part in some transition days just after finishing high school, which gave them a taste of what they will experience here.

“The young people are front and centre of our whole focus here. We want to engage with their parents or carers too if we can, it is about that whole wraparound approach. There is a lot of positive power in working as a partnership.

“It is about developing their confidence, offering them the chance to explore vocational skills and then ultimately we hope they will transition onto the main Blackburn College site to continue their studies.”

Matthew Robinson, executive director student support and experience at Blackburn College, said: “We listened to the Darwen community, and together, we acted.

“Launchpad Darwen is a direct response to what local people told us they needed, accessible support that reaches those furthest from the job market and helps them build confidence, develop skills and progress into education, training or employment.

“Working alongside Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone, Newground Together and the Department for Work and Pensions, we are bringing the right support closer to the people who need it.

“This is partnership with purpose, local organisations working together to create opportunities and deliver lasting impact for Darwen.”