A 30-year partnership that has seen thousands of college students in Preston study university courses is being celebrated.

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and Preston College partnered together 30-years ago when the university became the first to franchise higher education courses to further education colleges.

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The view was to widen access to higher education and the partnership has seen learners study a range of courses from HNC to postgraduate level including business, engineering and hospitality and tourism.

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The organisations have marked the milestone by each planting a cherry blossom tree at their respective Preston Campuses, as a symbolic gesture in recognition of the long-standing partnership.

UCLan planted its tree on the new central spine walkway that runs from the rear of the Student Centre to the Victoria Building.

Meanwhile, Preston College has chosen to plant its tree in a social space close to its HE Learning Centre.

Both have mounted a plaque beside each tree to create a lasting tribute to the partnership.

UCLan Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said: “UCLan and Preston College have a long history of working closely together to deliver flexible learning options that provide a pathway for learners to achieve their education aspirations.

“Through this strong partnership we strive to help meet employer needs, workforce development requirements and other primary economic drivers in the City of Preston and across the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership zone.”

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Louise Doswell, Principal and Chief Executive of Preston College, said: “UCLan and Preston College have a strong partnership ethos that has enabled many students over the last three decades to access higher education opportunities. 

“We are proud of our partnership which continues to develop flexible learning opportunities to meet the Higher Technical Skills agenda for the City and wider Lancashire region.”

UCLan and Preston College are now looking to the future and exploring ways of delivering the new Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ), which are new or existing level four and five qualifications that have been approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) as meeting the occupational standards for their relevant sectors.

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Have you benefitted from this partnership? Let us know in the comments below.