A PILOT project pioneered at schools in Burnley and Pendle is set to expand across the country.

The Job Junction scheme initially opened at Sir John Thursby Community College, in Burnley, before also setting up at Marsden Heights Community College, in Nelson.

And it has proved so successful in less than a year that the project, run by Burnley-based Positive Footprints, has now been licensed to 10 schools in Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, in Birmingham.

Lesley Burrows, managing director, said: “People from Sandwell came up in December to look at the scheme, and they were very impressed and wanted 10 licences.

“They are the first licences in the rest of the country so it is exciting, and we are in discussions with other local councils as well.

“Our aim is to see a Job Junction in every school in the country.”

Pupils at the schools can go to the Job Junction, inside the school building, and look at real local vacancies, complete application forms, get shortlisted, and have mock interviews.

Mrs Burrows said: “It gives them real, hands-on experience.

“The scheme has been a huge success so far. Teachers have told us that it has improved the confidence of students dramatically.

“When it comes to applying for jobs, and having interviews, it will now be second nature to them.”

In Burnley, the Job Junction has worked with local firms such as Aircelle, AMS Neve, FutabaTenneco, and Euravia, with feedback on applications, and interviews, often given by local firms.

The Job Junction is managed within the school by a ‘dream team’ of older pupils who have been specially trained for the role.