Launchpad supports young people in Blackburn with Darwen to re-engage with education, training and employment. It is a learning and support hub led by Blackburn College and delivered in partnership with Newground Together, with support from Blackburn with Darwen Council.
Based in an accessible location in Blackburn town centre, Launchpad provides a welcoming space where young people who have become disengaged from education or training can reconnect, rebuild confidence and take their next step.
The centre is playing an important role in tackling the number of young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) across Blackburn with Darwen and the wider East Lancashire region.
Key successes so far:
- 256 students enrolled since launch
- Almost a quarter of students have already progressed onto college courses or apprenticeships
- Strengthened partnership collaboration between College, Council and Community Partners
- We have had an impact on the number of NEETs recorded in the area, which has halved since we opened Launchpad
- This is a NEET reduction of approximately 150 (roughly 50% across BwD)
- We have introduced pathways for students to progress on to and develop vocational skills
- The pathways are Hair and Beauty; Business and Digital; Motor Vehicle and Construction; Health, Childcare and Animal Care
A supportive learning space
At Launchpad, students will find a welcoming, purpose-designed space that will help to build their confidence and engage with their learning on the Future Focus programme. The learning experience at Launchpad is designed around the needs of young people who may have struggled in more traditional education settings.
Key features include:
- Small group learning in a calm, welcoming environment
- One-to-one mentoring and pastoral support
- Vocational tasters and work preparation
- English and maths development through Functional Skills or GCSEs
- A focus on confidence, wellbeing and positive behaviours for success
Re-engaging young people
Delivered from Launchpad, the Future Focus programme is a targeted programme designed to support young people aged 16 to 19 who are at risk of becoming NEET or who have already disengaged from education.
We are helping young people to:
- Rebuild confidence and motivation
- Develop essential skills for learning and work
- Reconnect with education in a supportive environment
- Progress into further education, apprenticeships or employment
In the first cohort since launching in September 2025, Launchpad has already supported over 250 young people to re-engage with learning and move forward with their future plans.
“We’ve intentionally created a completely different, smaller, more nurturing space that’s a better fit for where the students are in their learning journey.”
Matthew Robinson, Executive Director of Student Support and Experience at Blackburn College
A collaborative learning space
Launchpad brings together the expertise of Blackburn College and Newground Together to deliver a coordinated, community-focused service. Newground Together’s team support hundreds of adults each month.
By sharing a single location, both organisations are able to provide:
- Education and skills development for young people
- Employment support and training for adults
- Advice, mentoring and progression guidance
- Opportunities to connect with employers and community organisations
This partnership approach ensures that people at different stages of their journey can access the support they need in one place.
Skills for Work
Additionally, the College's Skills for Work runs a programme of bespoke activity from Launchpad for members of the local community who are 19+.
A transformative learning space
Launchpad represents a transformational step for Blackburn with Darwen – creating a central hub dedicated to skills, employability and opportunity.
By combining education, mentoring and employment support in one place, the centre helps ensure that young people and adults across the borough can access the guidance and opportunities they need to thrive.
Real impact in the community
Launchpad is already making a significant difference locally, helping to:
- Re-engage young people who have left education
- Reduce NEET numbers in Blackburn with Darwen
- Support progression into further education, apprenticeships and employment
- Strengthen collaboration between education providers, employers and community organisations
Students consistently describe the environment as ‘welcoming and supportive’, highlighting the importance of the nurturing approach taken by staff.
Launchpad is actively delivering on our commitment to raising aspirations, building resilience and supporting positive futures across the community.
"Future Focus supports students to overcome barriers to learning to reach their potential and be successful. The location and tailored space in Launchpad provides a helpful point of difference in enabling this."
Faz Imran, Head of School of Inclusion at Blackburn College
Open for referrals
We welcome referrals from careers advisers, youth workers and support staff for young people.
Contact details
Tel: 01254 292306
Email: FutureFocus@blackburn.ac.uk
