AN innovative Lancashire County Council scheme aims to recruit more teachers of ethnic and black origin.

Anyone eager to teach adult learning can move towards a full time teaching career by applying for the Open College North West (OCNW) Planning and Designing Learning Level 2 qualification.

The council has funding for 150 places for ethnic and black participants, having identified a shortage of teachers from such backgrounds embarking on a career path into teaching.

It is free of charge at a range of community venues across the county.

Participants must have a subject area which they would like to teach and these could include languages, painting, gardening, cookery and outdoor activities.

Heading the recruitment drive is project co-ordinator Kailash Parekh.

She said: "We have identified a shortage of people of ethnic and black minority origin in the teaching profession.

"For example there is a lack of Arabic teachers in the community ,so if we can get people coming through to do a Level 2 then we will be able to identify readily available tutors

"While completing a 12 hour course won't create fully fledged teacher it is a stepping stone.

"Anyone can teach a subject that they are passionate about, even if it is a hobby or an interest."

"It's about raising people's aspirations and offering support in fulfilling their life ambition. We are offering the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification and there is also the chance to take studies even further through our specialist Information, advice and guidance service.

"I came through the system a few years ago and have managed to carve a successful career so it is worthwhile participating."

There are no specific requirements for the course, other than an interest in teaching adults.

Language support on the course is provided on request.

The course lasts 12 hours but can be broken into segments and anyone interested is invited to apply before the end of July.

County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services and Communications is among those endorsing the initiative.

He said: "Education and learning is a vital ingredient in enabling people from different backgrounds to feel engaged in their communities.

"Raising awareness of the learning opportunities which are available is important if we want to increase access to training and education."

Courses will be run subject to demand across the region.

For details, contact Kailash Parekh on 07789 618127.