Newsroom

23 August 2024

The Platform partners with B&FC to help young people explore education and career options.

Blackpool’s Youth Employment Hub, The Platform, and Blackpool and the Fylde College (B&FC) have joined up to offer a supportive programme to 16–24-year-olds in Blackpool who are not in employment, education or training (NEET).

Graphic image of New Directions programme
String richText

Set to launch on Wednesday 4 September, the New Directions programme aims to bridge the gap between education and employment for local youth. The Platform and B&FC will work together to provide a whole host of tools for young people to explore their strengths, skills and attributes.

The collaboration comes after an already thriving relationship between The Platform and the college, which has grown into a solid partnership since The Platform launched. As well as the new initiative, the college provides regular sessions at The Platform which help young people with CV’s, apprenticeships and general career advice.

The programme will run once weekly for 13 weeks and will be delivered by a specialist B&FC Careers Adviser at The Platform, as well as masterclasses taught by expert tutors at the college campuses.

If before the end of the 13 weeks a young person has found their chosen career path, they can step off the programme and join directly onto their ideal college course. Anyone who completes the 13 weeks will also progress onto a college course of their choice.

Industries available to explore include:

  • Computing
  • Creative
  • Catering
  • Hospitality
  • Public services
  • Sport
  • Health
  • Childcare
  • Motor vehicle
  • Hair and beauty
  • Construction

Since The Platform officially opened, the specialised team of Employment Advisers have seen many success stories. So far, the service has helped a total of 1277 young people take their next career step.

Young people have initially approached the service with little to no confidence, a lack of direction, qualifications or experience, however, with the knowledge and dedicated support the Platform team provide, the majority leave successfully signed up to their next step.

Cllr Kath Benson, Cabinet Member for Young People and Aspiration said: 

Quote quote
“It is fantastic to see that The Platform is continuing to support our local young people in taking their next step - whether that be into work, education or training. “The relationships that the team has built since The Platform launched are strong and long lasting, which shows in this new initiative. It is great that there are so many local organisations and businesses willing to team up with and support the service. “The overall aim is to support young local people into work, training and education - developing skills, providing practical help and building confidence to ready them for an exciting future, and the New Directions programme is set to be that extra helping hand for those who need it. “B&FC have played a crucial role in the success of The Platform with their dedicated weekly sessions and heavy involvement in the service, so it is amazing that we can now offer an alternative pathway into education thanks to the college. "If you know anyone who is aged 16-24, who’s possibly unsure of their next step or may require additional support, please do get in touch with the friendly and experienced Platform team by calling 01253 477 775 or email theplatform@blackpool.gov.uk. Alternatively, pop into The Platform, Unit 3 Bickerstaffe Square, Cookson Street, Blackpool, FY1 3EF and meet the team.”
String richText

Caroline Wareing, Head of 16-19 at Blackpool and The Fylde College said: 

Quote quote
“The Platform and Blackpool and The Fylde College are delighted to be working in partnership to support young people in Blackpool with the opportunity to re-engage back in education and start the journey to their dream career. “Launching in September, young people can contact The Platform to join the New Directions programme, benefit from a careers and personal development session from a dedicated careers advisor and attend a range of 'masterclasses' held at The Platform from B&FC specialists. “These masterclasses will be delivered across a range of occupational areas, from construction and computing to healthcare and catering, providing young people with an insight into careers across these industries and opportunity to refine their potential career choice. Also integral to the New Directions programme is the chance to attend one of B&FC's campuses and enjoy some practical sessions in up to three of the occupational areas that interest them most. “Programmes such as this are vital in towns like Blackpool who are striving to address youth unemployment challenges with local solutions. The New Directions programme is accessible, creative and tailored to meet the needs of young people, its sole objective to secure the best possible outcomes whilst shaping young people's next steps in education or training.”
String richText

The Platform was launched by Blackpool Council in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and was funded initially through the Community Renewal Fund. The project is now funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Related news stories