Listen to this story Upgrade to premium to listen to this article Subscribe Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 “Right now, you’re probably standing where the perfumes and aftershaves were,” says Blackburn College’s executive director of student support and experience, Matt Robinson. He leads me to a classroom for young people who, until recently, were not in education, employment or training. “There is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for”, one learner has scribbled on a display board. It feels like a fitting motto for this new ‘Launchpad’ hub, housed in a former Debenhams in Blackburn town centre. The provision is part of a college and community partnership that Blackburn College credits with bucking the trend by slashing local youth NEET numbers at a time when national youth rates have continued to climb. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week subscribe This article is for members only. Get full access to premium journalism, exclusive content, and early access to key stories — all for £75 per year.