LANCASHIRE'S Learning and Skills Council -- the new body responsible for all post-16 education and training in the County -- has won the backing of Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw.
At a launch event at the Swallow Hotel, Samlesbury, he told key members of Lancashire's education and training organisations they had a major challenge ahead.
"Raising education and training skills helps provide people with new opportunities in work and elsewhere and it is vital to the future prosperity of the local economy," he said.
"Today's event marks a significant milestone for education and training in the county and I wish the Lancashire Learning and Skills Council every success in achieving its challenging targets."
The Lancashire Council has an annual budget of £200 million to invest in post-16 education and skills training.
Executive director Steve Palmer promised that the Learning and Skills Council would work closely with employers and training partners to put learners first.
"We will provide local people with the opportunity to transform their lives through education and training and ensure that Lancashire's businesses get the skilled people they need to drive forward future competitiveness," he said.
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