THE 'virtual job centre' could be the answer to school-leavers' worries about finding work.

Teachers from Burnley and Pendle are reporting great success in a new scheme to use the latest technology to match teenagers with vacancies.

Pupils are finding careers by surfing the 'net after the training and enterprise council began testing its new on-line service in the twin boroughs' schools.

"We were amazed at our pupils' response to this exciting new service," says Ian Blackey, head of upper school at Mansfield High, Brierfield.

"They are definitely taking advantage of it and have even been spotted consulting the vacancies service long after classes have finished."

The latest news on a wide range jobs and training opportunities is transmitted to schools by Burnley College. The first schools to go on line are Towneley, Gawthorpe, Ivy Bank and Walshaw in Burnley, and Park and Mansfield in Pendle. Local success has paved the way for similar schemes across Lancashire.

"Everyone involved in the pilot project agrees that it was a huge success," says the TEC's training and education chief, Andy Fawcett.

"It is a way of ensuring young people are matched with jobs with training."

Z Karen Buchanan from Burnley College, teacher John Patino and the TEC's Julie Manton with Mansfield High School's Kate Holbrook

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