Learning while having fun works for Morgan
Morgan goes to college in Moor Park where she is studying Maths and English.
She felt bored with traditional classroom lessons and felt she needed something she could really get stuck into, something that would excite her. After speaking with her teachers, they suggested she took a look at Preston Vocational Centre who deliver a range of construction training and work with young people and adults from several schools and community groups across the region.
At first Morgan said she was nervous about coming:
“I thought I’d be the only girl there, so my teacher suggested I went for a taster day, and I loved it straight away. I was relieved to see there were other girls at the centre too and I also met a boy who had started on that day too and we’ve become good friends since then.
“You look at the board on the wall when you get here and see what you’re doing that day – it could be bricklaying in the morning and plastering in the afternoon for example. You get half an hour for lunch and it’s a great atmosphere in the centre. They really support you, not just teaching you construction skills, but in generally listening and helping if you’re not having a great day.
“It’s much better for me than sixth-form – you learn while having fun. My friends think it’s cool what I do here. I’ve already learned loads, plumbing, joinery – I’ve installed radiators, fitted a bathroom, made boxes and windowsills. The teachers are great, everyone gets individual help and it’s good to be able to go at your own pace. We have to do online learning as well like health and safety and understanding all the different tools, but you can just work steadily on that and ask questions when you’re not sure. It means I am not panicking with deadlines, so suits me. It will be great to get my City and Guilds qualifications”
Would she recommend it to other girls thinking of coming?
“Definitely! I thought I’d be the only girl, but I’m not. I’ve made real friends here and I actually want to get up in the mornings to go to PVC. You’ll definitely be better than the boys! Give it a go.”
To find out more about Preston Vocational Centre, visit the website at www.prestonvocationalcentre.co.uk email info@prestonvocationalcentre.co.uk or call the friendly team on 01772 880680.