I didn’t know there were so many jobs in Blackpool and it's made me think differently about what I could do

More than 80 young people in Blackpool have been supported to develop confidence, improve their financial literacy and explore local career opportunities through an education programme delivered over the past two years.

The initiative, led by education charity The Talent Foundry and supported by Blackpool Council and international savings and investment business M&G plc, has worked with pupils from mainstream secondary schools and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) who face significant barriers to education and employment.

The programme focuses on employability skills and financial literacy, helping young people understand budgeting, money management and the financial decisions they are likely to encounter in everyday life. It also aims to help participants see how their skills and interests can translate into real employment opportunities within Blackpool.

For many students, it was their first interaction with professionals from professional fields, with one saying: “I didn’t know there were so many jobs in Blackpool. It made me think differently about what I could do”. Another pupil said: “My confidence has skyrocketed. I actually spoke in front of people today.”

‘Opening doors to local opportunities’

Cllr Kath Benson, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Young People and Aspiration, said: “We know how important it is for pupils in Blackpool to be ready for the world of work so it’s fantastic to see them develop their employability skills through this programme.

“Across Blackpool, we know that some young people are at risk of ending up not in education, employment or training which is why it’s so important that we make the most of these opportunities to build their ambitions, helping them to meet employers, build their confidence and imagine a future career in Blackpool.

“A key focus of our Making Blackpool Better vision is to ensure people of all ages have access to great career and education opportunities and this programme has helped us to deliver this to local secondary school pupils. Hopefully this programme will continue to deepen its impact with ongoing support from local employers, opening doors to real local opportunity.”

Worth £150,000

Since its launch, the initiative has become an established early intervention pathway in the town, delivering more than £150,000 in measurable social value during 2026 alone.

Students have taken part in workshops led by volunteers representing a wide range of sectors, including construction, digital, engineering, public services, hospitality and energy. These industries reflect key areas of growth within Blackpool’s economy and provide valuable insight into local employment opportunities.

Schools involved in the programme include Educational Diversity, Highfield Leadership Academy, Armfield Academy and Blackpool Skills Academy.

During 2026, 48 Year 10 students from mainstream schools and PRUs took part in three full-day sessions focused on confidence building, skills development, goal setting, networking with employers, financial literacy and mock interviews.

More than 200 volunteer hours were contributed over the past year by representatives from businesses, public sector organisations and community groups across Blackpool.

‘Social mobility outcomes remain deeply unequal’

Jenni Anderson, Chief Executive at The Talent Foundry, said: “Across the UK, social mobility outcomes remain deeply unequal, particularly at the transition from education into employment, further education and training. Our place-based work in Blackpool helps ensure that where a young person grows up doesn’t shape what they can access or dream of becoming.

“The support of key partners allows us to align education with employment opportunities, helping young people to build networks, gain confidence and develop the skills they need to succeed. We are proud to support students on this programme to see a future for themselves in Blackpool.”