PVC crowned Educational Establishment of the Year
Preston Vocational Centre, who provide high quality construction training to young people and adults, have been recognised once again for their hard work and commitment in and around Preston.
PVC received the winner’s award for ‘The Educational Establishment of the Year’ at the Be Inspired Business Awards' (BIBAs) ceremony at the Blackpool Tower on Friday night (17th September 2021).
Judges were extremely impressed by the number of students that have benefitted from the Centre since it opened in 2009, with over 6,000 young people coming through the doors. Along with how the organisation responded to the impacts of COVID-19 and adapted teaching methods, invested in the Centre and continued to deliver vital services to students and vulnerable learners, all highlighted PVC as the deserving winners of the award.
The BIBAs are Lancashire’s most prestigious and longest running business awards programme, run by the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. The awards night celebrated some of the most exciting companies and entrepreneurs based in Lancashire, showcasing their success stories and highlighting Lancashire’s position as a world-class business community.
Martin Grayston, Centre Manager at PVC said:
As Manager of Preston Vocational Centre, I cannot begin to express how proud I am that we have won the BIBAs ‘Educational Establishment of the year’ award. Having been the Centre Manager since our opening in 2009, and having been BIBA’s finalists on previous occasions, to win this award means the world to me.
Here at PVC, we are all passionate about what we do, supporting our young people and adults to gain skills, qualifications and confidence. I would like to thank my dedicated team for all the hard work they do with each and every learner that comes through our doors. I would also like to thank the PVC Board, colleagues at Community Gateway, and all of the schools and partners who support us.
Rob Wakefield, Chief Executive at CGA said:
Winning the ‘Educational Establishment of the Year’ award is a fantastic achievement by PVC and doing so after such a challenging year and against such strong competition makes it all the more memorable. I felt both lucky and proud to be able to attend the ceremony and celebrate winning the award with such deserving colleagues from both PVC and CGA - Congratulations to the whole team.
Mick Higgins, the Chair of PVC Board said:
I am incredibly proud that PVC have won this award, it is a real testament to the dedication and passion of the team. We are incredibly lucky to be supported by a wider network including our Board, Community Gateway, our sponsors, schools, students and parents and I’d like to thank them all, this is as much their award as it is the Centre’s.
