PENNINE Lancashire has a shortfall of 14,000 graduates, 10 per cent lower than the national average, education bosses claim.

Currently less than a quarter of all adults in Blackburn with Darwen have a degree or other higher education qualification, according to a Statement of Need by the council.

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Now Blackburn College is addressing the problem with a range of exclusive Foundation Entry courses specifically designed for potential students who do not have the right qualifications or the grades for the degree they would like to study.

“The great thing about these Foundation Entry courses is they offer mature students who have been out of education for more than five years an opportunity to build up their knowledge base and confidence in a new subject,” said Paul Kellett, Director of Higher Education Quality.

“The additional tuition and support given on a Foundation Entry course will help smooth the transition to university life and increases the all-important chance of students leaving with a degree at the end of it.”

The courses start in September in a range of subject areas covering the arts, business, law, education, health, science and technology. By keeping class sizes small and mixing teaching methods, the college hope the new courses will give individuals a greater chance to ask questions, get to know their tutor and develop their skills.

“We know that the learning potential of people in Blackburn with Darwen is enormous. It’s all about having the right opportunities. We wanted to give people a fresh, new start and we’re really looking forward to the Foundation Entry courses doing just that.

“Students enrolling on Foundation Entry courses will have nothing to pay upfront and lots of funding support is available so this is a really cost-effective way of not just getting back into education but potentially changing your life,” said Mr Kellett.

For more information go to www.blackburn.ac.uk/apply or ring 01254 292929.