The ‘Northern World of Work’ programme, run by the Lancashire Careers Hub, allows teachers and pupils from secondary schools, including special schools and alternative providers, to visit workplaces and learn about local job opportunities.

This initiative is funded by the Careers and Enterprise Company, Lancashire County Council, and the Youth Futures Foundation with BiTC.

As part of the scheme, teachers from Blackburn College, The Heights in Burnley, Lancaster & Morecambe College, Sir Tom Finney Community High School, and Lathom High School spent a day at UK housebuilder Keepmoat in Leyland at the end of January.

This gave them a first-hand insight into working practices and the chance to meet young employees, including apprentices.

County Councillor Ash Sutcliffe said: “We found out more about the pathways and opportunities that are being provided to allow pupils to ultimately build their skills and to see what they could do in the world of work.”

County Councillor Jayne Rear said: “This is a very good scheme which is helping staff and students gain a deeper understanding of opportunities as well as the skills needed for different roles and awareness of different pathways and routes into work.”

Peter Barlow, regional managing director at Keepmoat, North West, said: “It’s been brilliant to work with our fantastic partners at Lancashire County Council and the Lancashire Careers Hub to support local teachers in their role, to advise young people about careers in the home building sector and the skills needed to thrive in the industry.”