Two joinery apprentices are involved in a Moor Nook project and giving back to the organisation that helped train them.

Gabriel Watson and Luke Garity secured their apprenticeships with local company CCH Joinery after completing the Building Futures construction course with Community Gateway Assocation‘s (CGA) charitable subsidiary, Preston Vocational Centre (PVC).

Now, Gabriel and Luke are working for CCH on a project at the Purple Pantry, CGA’s food membership scheme.

The pair are helping to manufacture and install a shelter for customers queuing outside the outlet – a frequent occurrence while social distancing guidelines are in force.

Read more: Vulnerable families in Deepdale to receive food hampers during February half-term

Last year Gabriel received the Outstanding Achievement in Joinery and Carpentry Award at the PVC Awards Evening.

Speaking about his journey, Gabriel said: “I went to PVC once a week to do a number of different trades. I realised I really enjoyed joinery and felt like that’s what I wanted to carry on doing.

“When I completed my construction course, I started looking for an apprenticeship in joinery and applied for college. I contacted loads of companies that just took my details but then I got a call from PVC telling me that CCH Joinery were looking for someone. I applied and was successful.

“When I first decided I wanted to get an apprenticeship, lots of people said my first year would be just watching and cleaning up, but that’s not been the case at CCH. I have been involved from the beginning and am learning every day, and enjoying my time here working on the current project at the Purple Pantry.”

Read more: Leyland Trucks apprenticeship scheme open for applications

Since PVC opened, it has seen over 6,000 young people and adults receive
vocational training support.

Martin Grayston, Centre Manager at PVC, said: “We’re so grateful to CCH for their support and giving our lads opportunities and experience like this.

“This is what PVC is all about, and it’s so rewarding to see our learners gain skills and confidence – the transformation when they qualify from the young and often unsure people who come through our doors is incredible.”

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What do you think of Gabriel and Luke’s success? Let us know in the comments.