MP visits our award-winning centre
Preston Vocational Centre (PVC) welcomed local MP Sir Mark Hendrick and Adrian Leather, Chief Executive of Active Lancashire to our city-centre base last week. The VIP guests were able to hear directly from the team about our work running vocational training courses in construction for young people across Preston and surrounding areas.
The event was co-hosted by parent company Community Gateway Association (CGA) and Communities that Work to showcase how housing associations like CGA, working in conjunction with Active Lancashire, were making a real difference to communities and to the local economy by investing in organisations like PVC.
Since PVC opened 13 years ago, we have worked with more than 6,000 students who have gained gold standard City and Guilds qualifications, along with important life skills. In 2021 we won best educational establishment at the prestigious BIBA business awards. During the pandemic, the team supported local families by taking keyworker children and accelerating our blended learning programmes.
Sir Mark said:
“It’s evident that PVC is really raising aspirations. The team obviously have a knack for engaging with young people and motivating them to do well. Since Covid hit, I know that anxiety has often been an obstacle to many and so the confidence boost that coming here clearly gives is a bonus”.
Rob Wakefield, Chief Executive of CGA added:
“I was delighted that Sir Mark and Adrian were able to see the fabulous facilities first hand and to hear direct from Martin and the team about the great work the centre does in providing young people from across Lancashire with the skills and opportunities to secure a positive future in the construction industry.”