PVC up for top Lancashire Award
We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for Third Sector Business of the Year in the “Be Inspired” Business Awards – the BIBAs – Lancashire largest and longest running business awards programme. This is the third time Preston Vocational Centre (PVC) has reached the finals and so we are crossing our fingers that, in this our tenth year, it will be third time lucky.
The judges looked at the clarity of our vision, our impact, sustainability and potential for growth. They also wanted to see how creative we were in the way we operated to get the best outcomes for the young people and adults we work with.
They were particularly impressed with the impact we had made across the city, as well as the way the Centre was led and managed, with all our staff going that extra mile to make a difference to the people they meet.
At PVC, our mission is to deliver the highest quality construction based vocational training and support to enable young people and adults to gain skills, qualifications and confidence to enhance their potential and build a positive future. Last year 93% of school learners who came to us went back into education, took on further training or got a job.
We work closely with 64 Lancashire secondary schools and offer flexible, alternative routes to learning that attract those who don’t naturally thrive in an academic setting. We also deliver workshops to adults across the city, helping participants learn new skills and grow in confidence. Our volunteer and work experience programme helps people develop their social skills and all our volunteers say working with us has increased their self-confidence, self-esteem and given them a more positive outlook on life..
As well as working directly with students who might have been referred to us by local schools, we also collaborate with other groups like the Refugee Integration Team, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, The Foxton Centre and Ingol-based charity, INTACT.
Our approach definitely reaps rewards. One of our learners, Josh said: “I was at PVC throughout Year 11 and it was then that I got a job as an Apprenticeship Plasterer. The staff are great, they’re a teacher but also like a friend.”
The BIBA judges still have one last piece of the jigsaw to complete which involves a visit to the St.Paul’s Road Centre in July to see first-hand the good work taking place.
The Awards evening will be held at a glittering ceremony this September in Blackpool Tower Ballroom.