HUNDREDS of vacancies will be up for grabs at giant job market events staged at two East Lancashire football stadiums.

Thousands of pupils, students and parents are expected to attend the XTEND Modern Apprenticeships '97 at Blackburn Rovers and Burnley football grounds next month.

Cobble Blackburn Ltd and Granville Technology in Burnley are among 40 local companies who will be offering over 176 positions within their firms at the events.

Modern Apprenticeships '97 is designed to give young people a helping hand up their chosen career ladder whether it be managers, technicians or professionals. Job occupations on offer range from accountancy, child care and hairdressing to engineering, motor vehicle and construction.

A free prize draw to win £100 worth of clothes will be an added incentive for visitors to either Ewood Park on Thursday March 13 from 4.45pm to 9pm or Turf Moor on Thursday March 20 from 5pm to 8.30pm.

"Jobs '97 events aim to to give this year's school leavers a broad picture of the opportunities available through XTEND and a chance to apply for the current job openings," said Andy Fawcett, ELTEC training and Development Director.

The vacancies will be XTEND jobs with training as well as East Lancashire Modern Apprentices, where applicants are guaranteed employment from day one, the relevant wage for the job, training to the equivalent of two A levels and opportunity to progress to university.

Any person or parent wanting an invitation should contact XTEND on 0345 125922.

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