TEACHERS are being offered the chance to follow in their pupils' footsteps.

Under a new initiative in East Lancashire, teachers can visit training providers to see at first hand the options available to school leavers.

The one-week programme will also enable teachers to see former pupils in action in their new careers through the XTEND programme for young people.

"With the demands made on a headteacher's time it is often difficult to justify spending a working week away from school," said Barry Burke, headteacher of Rhyddings High School, Oswaldtwistle.

"But it was really enjoyable and changed my perceptions of training. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the experience to other teachers."

The initiative is a joint programme organised by the East Lancashire Education Business Partnerships with help from ELTEC.

"The Teachers into Training Providers Initiative is the only programme which allows teachers to see for themselves the range and quality of careers available through XTEND," said Andy Fawcett, training and education development director for ELTEC.

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