Preston Vocational Centre (PVC) has welcomed MP Sir Mark Hendrick to its city centre base.

Sir Mark was able to hear from the team about their work running vocational training courses in construction for young people across Preston and surrounding areas.

The event was co-hosted by parent company Community Gateway Association (CGA) and Communities that Work to showcase how housing associations are making a difference to communities and local economy by investing in organisations like PVC.

Since it opened 13 years ago, PVC has worked with more than 6,000 students who have gained gold standard City and Guilds qualifications, along with important life skills.

In 2021 it won best educational establishment at the prestigious BIBA business awards.

Read more: Preston Vocational Centre celebrates award-winning construction stars

During the pandemic, the team supported local families by taking keyworker children and accelerating its blended learning programmes.

Sir Mark said: “It’s evident that PVC is really raising aspirations. The team obviously have a knack for engaging with young people and motivating them to do well. Since Covid hit, I know that anxiety has often been an obstacle to many and so the confidence boost that coming here clearly gives is a bonus.”

Rob Wakefield, Chief Executive of CGA, added: “I was delighted that Sir Mark was able to see the fabulous facilities first hand and to hear direct from Martin and the team about the great work the centre does in providing young people from across Lancashire with the skills and opportunities to secure a positive future in the construction industry.”

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

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

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines