BITE-sized training courses will be on offer this summer in a new initiative aimed at encouraging more people to learn new skills.

The courses will last for just one or two hours and will take place in a wide variety of locations including supermarkets, leisure centres, pubs, colleges and factories.

They are being co-ordinated by the Lancashire Learning and Skills Council which is now responsible for all post-16 education and training in the county.

The courses, covering subjects as varied as fork lift truck driving and first aid for animals, are free of charge.

The organisers are hoping that more than 1,500 people will become involved and be encouraged to go on to further learning opportunities.

The Learning and Skills Council has highlighted the experience of two Blackburn women, whose lives have been transformed through learning.

Naila Qurraishi returned to learning through the Bank Top Asian Women's Group and is now embarking on a GCSE in English.

"I have become more independent and self-confident," she said. "I have learned new skills and found a job I want to do. The learning has given me and other women like me a chance to better ourselves." Farhana Patel joined a neighbourhood learning centre when she had difficulty finding a job. She was helped with her CV and was given support in improving her interview skills.

"At one point, I had three jobs to choose from," said Farhana. "I started work with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and was encouraged to continue with my learning." Farhana is now about to study for a degree Government Politics at Nottingham University.

People interested in the Bite Size courses should contact Learndirect on 0800 100 900 or www.lsc.gov.uk/bitesizecourses.