Member Article

Tomorrow's Talent Praised at College Awards

A cohort of local high school students have been recognised at an awards ceremony at Preston’s College to celebrate excellence in 14-16 vocational learning.

Twenty-four Achievement trophies were handed out during a celebration evening held at the College’s iSTEM Centre, recognising ‘innovation’, ‘self-development’ and ‘employability’.

Winners were chosen from more than 120 youngsters from schools across the county who attend Preston’s College one afternoon a week to train in Construction, Hair & Beauty, Automotive Technology, Child Development and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).

The students are part of the College’s 14-16 two-year Work Ready Programme, which has been developed alongside a number of high profile employers to give young people the chance to gain a catalogue of industry-specific skills to help them to progress into further study or an Apprenticeship upon completion.

Representatives from the Eric Wright Group were in attendance to celebrate the work of Eric Wright Learning Foundation (EWLF) students. The programme, which aims to provide students aged 14-16 with basic construction skills, joined forces with Preston’s College in 2015 and relocated operations to a purpose-built 1,131 sq m construction centre on campus.

EWLF student, Jake Nuttall, Year 11 at Brownedge St Mary’s Catholic High School, scooped the Employability award and Overall Joiner of the Year.

A number of other construction students also received special commendations for their work including Year 11 Bradley Walmsley, from Leyland St Mary’s Catholic High School, scooping Overall Best Learner in Brickwork.

A representative from Leyland Trucks, an engineering partner of Preston’s College, together with Mrs Wright from the Eric Wright Group, handed out the awards to learners.

Debbie Ireland, head of division for 14-16 at Preston’s College, said: “These awards celebrate the commitment and skills development of our youngest learners.

“Our students benefit from a programme that gives them a taste of vocational training prior to leaving school, to help them understand the range of careers, skills and training available to them.”

For more information, visit: www.preston.ac.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Preston's College .