MORE and more young people in East Lancashire have become ‘drop-outs’, new figures show.

The numbers of 18 to 24-year-olds that are not in education, employment of training, NEET, has increased from last year.

Education bosses said there was ‘no quick fix’ to get youngsters back into some form of education or training.

But they are currently working with employers and education institutions to improve young people’s exam results and practical skills.

And Blackburn College has launched a Skills for Work initiative with the Job Centre Plus.

The college has had 1,000 referrals on its free training courses that develop work skills such as management and leadship since it launched six weeks ago.

The latest figures show that 4,100 youngsters in East Lancashire are currently on job seekers allowance compared to 3,660 in the same period last year -which equates to a 12 per cent increase.

And in the North West, overall government figures show the numbers classed at NEETs was up by 37,000 youngsters - a rise of 36 per cent.

Principal Ian Clinton said: “Blackburn College is delighted to be working with Job Centre Plus on the Skills for Work project.

“Unfortunately many people in East Lancashire are faced with the discouraging prospect of unemployment, I believe it is of the highest importance that we invest in the skills of these people and get them into work.

“This is why we have developed these innovative courses to give them the necessary skills they need for the workplace.”

Chair of the Pennine Lancashire Employment and Skills Board Mike Damms, who is also chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Trade, said: “We are conscious of the high levels of unemployment in young people and we must improve education attainment and get better work based skills.

“It is critical that careers advice that is given to young people is meaningful and relevant.

“Young people must realise what they are capable of and what the market is looking for.

“Employers, young people and education establishments must work closer together with the economy as the main driver.

“There is no quick fix but moving in the right direction will get the momentum going.”