£3m Careers Hub for Young People Opens in Former Blackburn Power Station

Blackburn Youth Zone has opened ‘Fusebox’, a £3 million employability hub in what was Blackburn’s first electricity power station, dating back to the 1800s.

In 2023, the Youth Zone was one of four projects in Blackburn with Darwen to receive a share of £8m from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund.

With this funding, Blackburn Youth Zone has turned the heritage site into an employment skills hub to help young people in the area into work and further education.

BAE Systems has provided close to £95,000 worth of tech equipment to the hub which will help inspire young people into STEM careers. A small group of young people working locally in the Air business were tasked with deciding what technology would best benefit the young people. With their support, the centre is now kitted out with 3D printers, laser cutters and even a flight simulator.

For more information about Blackburn Youth Zone and the Youth Investment Fund please read the initial press release from the Youth Zone: Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone celebrates £3m boost to help youngsters find their ‘spark!’ – Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone