THE number of teens classed as not in education, employment and training (NEET) in Blackburn with Darwen is falling thanks to a new team, figures show.

Council-run service New Directions, which launched earlier this year, offers programmes and careers advice to youngsters who are at risk of falling out of education or training when they finish their GCSEs.

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Figures show the number of 16 and 17-year-olds who were classed as NEET have fallen from 139 in December 2015 to 124 last year.

The number of 16 and 17-year-olds whose destination is not known has also fallen from 147 to 130. Helen Andrew, post 16 learning manager, said the New Directions service has taken over from what used to be Connexions, which offered career advice to school children.

She said the focus is on working with youngsters before they leave school with the team launching schemes such as the primary engineering project which teams schools up with businesses to encourage children to take up careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.

She said: “As a statutory duty we offer the service to children with special educational needs and disabilities and looked-after children but schools can also buy in the service.

“Ofsted has a watchful eye on where people are going post-16 and they are now looking at what schools deliver pre-16 to see if it is good enough. We are impartial so aim to get that person the right provision and make sure they are aware of all the options and are making an informed choice.”

Amanda Robinson, post-16 officer, said: “It can be looking at apprenticeships, traineeships or A levels. It’s about what is best for them. We now know about people leaving school so can follow them up and offer support. If they fall out of training or education they have not got the qualifications, they can’t apply for better jobs which in turn lead to better careers and lifestyles.”

The team runs events in January and September to help re-engage youngsters and team them up with different providers.

Mrs Andrew said: “It also fits in with the wider upskilling of the borough. There is a real focus on recognising that there are not enough people with level three and above qualifications.”

The team work with The Hive Business School project which hooks up businesses and schools in a bid to raise kids’ aspirations and plug a skills gap.

They also run an undergraduate support programme which links university students with businesses in the borough arranging work experience and mentoring in the hope they will return to the area after graduating.