A Preston charity says a surprise donation will ‘boost the life chances’ of young people in the city.

Preston Vocational Centre (PVC) received the unexpected £3,000 from renowned local employer Sika Ltd, the UK arm of Sika Group.

Sika – a world leader in the development of sustainable materials for the manufacturing and building industries – supports PVC in transforming the lives of young people who study construction at its base in St. Paul’s Road.

The donation was made at the end of a global sustainability workshop being run by the firm, during which delegates took part in team building activities.

Martin Grayston, PVC Centre Manager, invited Sika staff to try their hand at making bird tables out of old pallets, plastering with recycled lime cement and sand, and creating individually designed tiles.

Martin said: “It was a fabulous honour to welcome Sika colleagues in person. They have been incredible supporters of PVC for many years, providing training, graduate awards, tools and materials.

“This surprise financial donation today is most welcome. It will go a long way to boosting the life chances of more local young people in Preston and beyond, who aspire to a career in construction.”

Read more: Freddie Flintoff visits Preston Vocational Centre during filming

Preston Vocational Centre is the charitable subsidiary of Community Gateway Association, the city’s largest social housing landlord.

Since it opened 13 years ago, PVC tutors have worked with more than 6,000 students who have gained City and Guilds qualifications, along with important life skills. In 2021 it won best educational establishment at prestigious business awards, The BIBAs.

To find out more about Preston Vocational Centre, visit the PVC website, email info@prestonvocationalcentre.co.uk or call the team on 01772 880680.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines