Helping People Back into Employment
Creating meaningful employment is one of the most significant ways that business contributes to the livelihoods of individuals and communities, and what is for many the only sustainable route out of poverty and deprivation.
Across the Fylde Coast there are numerous agencies that provide support for those taking steps in preparing to return to work as well as those who have candidate ready to enter employment. They would welcome a conversation with you on how you can help, whether that be in providing a work placement or details on open or upcoming vacancies.
Offering quality experience of work, adopting new approaches to recruitment, and breaking down barriers to entering work for people from disadvantaged groups can benefit business by tackling skills shortages, building new talent pipelines, boosting retention rates and achieving higher productivity.
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The Platform
The Platform is a new facility that supports Blackpools young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) to find their place in the job market, access training, or find a way back into work if they’ve been made redundant.
A joint initiative between Blackpool Council and the Department for Work and Pensions, this is a physical space located in the town centre where young people can call in to make an appointment to see one of The Platform’s Employment Adviser or their JCP Work Coach and receive one-to-one support on their journey to sustained long-term employment.
The service will help young people to develop their skills, improve their employment chances and will specifically target youth unemployment in the town.
The Platform is looking for any organisations across the Fylde that can provide any opportunities to young people, whether that be apprenticeships, vacancies or employment pathways into your organisation.
Get Involved
Project Search
Project Search is a supported internship programme for young adults who have mild learning difficulties and/or Autism. They are supported via job coaches on a tapered support strategy to develop confidence, independence and job skill ability.
We are always looking for additional local businesses who are able to open doors to our young adults with work-placements to help support job skill development. We have successfully worked with varying organisations over several years who have seen the pool of talent that these young adults can provide and, as such, have been able to gain paid employment.
The programme gives businesses access to a new diverse talent stream with skills that match labour needs. This fully supported programme supports both the intern and employer alike.
Get Involved
Show your commitment by providing quality employment to those who are disadvantaged in society.
Join the networkJoin us at one of our next events
September's Fylde Coast RBN Network Meeting
18 September 2026
With almost 1 in 8 young people now NEET across the UK, and higher concentrations in coastal towns like Blackpool, this is a growing challenge with real implications for our local economy and communities. Recent national reporting has even warned of a potential “lost generation” if action isn’t taken.
Our keynote speaker for this event will be Alun Francis OBE, Chief Executive of Blackpool and The Fylde College and Chair of the Social Mobility Commission.
Book now