A BID to plug the skills gap in East Lancashire is set to be launched this week.

A major conference is being held on Friday to look at efforts to solve the lack of local employees with higher level skills such as degrees and HNCs.

The launch of the task force follows surveys which found shortages of skills could hamper the future of the local economy.

Estimates suggest the region needs to attract around 7,000 more graduates to the area and 21,000 more people with an HNC qualification or above.

"The shortfall of higher level skills in this area could well lead to serious problems for the local economy in the very near future," said ELTEC director Bill Davies, chairman of the task force.

"It is the responsibility of every East Lancashire employer to help formulate and action a positive and immediate response. This conference will provide vital information and discussion opportunities to help them fulfil that responsibility."

The conference will look at the implications of the Government's proposed Lifelong Learning Agenda and the proposed University for Industry.

The conference will take at Ewood Park between 12.30pm and 4.30pm.

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