Mayor opens employment centre for Preston youth

A century after pioneering youth campaigner Elfrida Rathbone opened her first school for disadvantaged children in London, the training charity that her work paved the way for is opening a new centre offering European Social Fund (ESF) funded work based learning opportunities for young people in Lancashire.

The centre, which is being run in partnership with Preston College, is offering 16-24 year olds the chance to learn while they earn through traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities with a diverse range of local employers.

Representatives from community partners including Lancashire County Council and New Directions also attended the opening event.

“Our new facility provides a fantastic opportunity to support young people from across Lancashire into employment and ensure they have the skills they need to progress which will benefit the regional economy and support local communities.”