Blackburn College's launchpad for opportunity

In September 2025, Blackburn College opened Launchpad, a dedicated re-engagement centre in Blackburn town centre to address rising numbers of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).

The initiative focuses on young people aged 16 to 19-years-old who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET, alongside adults aged 19+ who are furthest from the labour market. Learners typically present with multiple and complex barriers, including low prior attainment, anxiety, social, emotional, mental health (SEMH) needs, care-experienced backgrounds, and previous disengagement from education.

Launchpad was developed in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council and Newground Together, ensuring a joined-up, place-based approach. The centre itself is a refurbished former Job Centre/Debenhams site, repositioned from a space associated with unemployment into one of opportunity and aspiration.

The initiative was created in response to both local and national challenges. There are approximately 4,000 NEET young people across Lancashire and around 400 in Blackburn with Darwen alone. Traditional education models were not effectively engaging this cohort, requiring a new, flexible and specialist approach.

Launchpad delivers its provision through the Future Focus Programme, a flexible and personalised re-engagement model. Key features include roll-on, roll-off delivery, allowing learners to start at any point in the year, and programmes lasting between 10–36 weeks, depending on need. The programmes take place in a separate, nurturing environment away from the main college campus, with teaching groups small and combined with intensive one-to-one mentoring. There are clear expectations for students alongside strong pastoral and wellbeing support.  

The curriculum includes English and maths (GCSE or Functional Skills), vocational tasters (e.g. construction, motor vehicle, health, business), employability qualifications, and work experience and employer engagement. Recruitment is partnership-led, with referrals from local authority NEET teams, schools, youth services, and community organisations, alongside self-referral.

One of the main challenges has been re-engaging learners who have been out of education for extended periods and may lack trust in formal systems. This has been addressed through relationship-led practice, flexible timetabling, and a phased return to learning.

The impact of Launchpad has been significant and measurable within a short period, with around 260 learners engaged within the first six months, and 97% retention rate of those learners. There are approximately 150 fewer NEETs locally, and there has been a 50% reduction in NEET figures in Blackburn. The centre has seen 157 adults learners progress into employment through NHS partnership programmes, with 100% achievement rates in targeted programmes (e.g. Step into Schools), and strong progression into employment, volunteering, and further study.

Beyond the data, learners demonstrate improved confidence, attendance, and readiness for work or study. The programme focuses on sustained outcomes rather than short-term participation.