Gavin Williamson, the government's education secretary, visited BAE Systems to discuss apprenticeships and made a trip to Blackpool to learn about what the town is doing to improve opportunities for children and young people.
The Blackpool aspect of his fact-finding mission centred around the Opportunity Area programme, which has invested more than £7m in developing Essential Life Skills and early speech and language within the town.
The programme provides support for vulnerable young people and families to improve attendance and reduce exclusions from school. It is also improving advice and support for young people when moving between schools/colleges and into work.
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