Adults are being invited to take part in employability courses to help people get back into jobs following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Darwen Community Learning Programme, run by Blackburn College, was launched earlier this year in Darwen Heritage Centre, providing a range of courses to engage and support the community.

In collaboration with the Job Centre Plus, the college is offering a two-week part-time Introduction to Working in Care course to introduce jobseekers to local employers in the Care sector who are currently recruiting staff, with sessions delivered in Holker House.

Health and social care learner Graham Brynes, 56, said: “I chose to study at Blackburn College because I knew it was the right place for me to gain the qualifications that I need.

“The main thing I have enjoyed since starting this course is meeting new people – everyone is so supportive of each other. The College has prepared me for the future by providing me with advice and training for interview skills.

“Our tutors were very supportive as a team and definitely helped myself and the other students to achieve our goals. My plans and ambitions are to secure employment in the Social Care sector.”

A Digital Employability Skills course is also available for jobseekers who need to know how to use online tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, while Essential Digital courses can be studied.

Principal and Chief Executive at Blackburn College, Dr Fazal Dad, said: “Blackburn College is delighted to launch the Darwen Community Learning Programme, a community we are absolutely committed to supporting.

“We are very pleased to offer courses and training to adults in Darwen, some of who will be unemployed, in order to help them get started or further their career in difficult times.”

To find out more about the Darwen Community Learning Programme, email SkillsforWorkHub@blackburn.ac.uk or calling 01254 292277.