A COUNCILLOR has called for a major event to be held to ensure all young people in Hyndburn are matched with a job, apprenticeship or college course.

Huncoat Coun Nick Whittaker has called on his colleagues at Hyndburn Council to make the plan a reality after realising hundreds of opportunites were going unclaimed.

After Coun Whittaker emailed councillors across all parties, the council’s leader Miles Parkinson said a number had stepped forward to lead a dedicated task force on the issue.

Coun Whittaker had asked if a major employment and training event could be worked towards, to which all 16 to 24-year-olds in Hyndburn would be invited.

He said: “I had done some investigation work on this subject. If you look on key websites, there are something like 187 adverts with 928 jobs within five miles of Accrington town centre.

“These are websites which can be looked at by the youngsters if they are advised where to look. I also have information from a colleague who runs training schemes she had 11 current vacancies she cannot fill because they cannot get the applicants.

“I’ve asked if we can we arrange for a meeting to organise this I would be willing to put my experience and contacts into arranging a function inviting all the relevant apprentice organisations and companies to this. It will take some organising but done correctly could open the door.”

The ‘excellent idea’ has been welcomed by opposition leader Peter Britcliffe.

Coun Parkinson said a number of options would be assessed by a task force.

He said: “I really welcome the plan to see more young people put in touch with training and apprenticeships. Several councillors have volunteered to help put together a report for the next cabinet meeting on this.”