The Most Autumn Winter 2021/2022

11 The Eric Wright Group Preston College has worked in partnership with Eric Wright for a number of years. We share many values and the mission to ensure our learners are ready for industry whilst they develop high quality technical skills. Gavin Hulme, Operations Director for Eric Wright Civil Engineering says: “We are a long standing partner of Preston College and we are delighted to offer a sponsorship place to a scholarship learner. We are committed to encouraging young people in to the construction industry and we strive to be an instrumental organisation to inspire the future of construction workers.” Zac Wilkinson, Assistant Head of Construction and the Built Environment at Preston College says: “The Eric Wright Group have always supported Preston College in facilitating young people through work placements and apprenticeships. By offering a scholarship place, it provides a learner with valuable experience and a pathway to employment and I know that Lexie, the scholarship learner will benefit hugely from this opportunity.” Lexie says: “I’m in my second year at Preston College and was lucky enough to have been selected as a scholarship student when I began my course. To hear that Eric Wright Construction were offering a place on a sponsorship programme was incredible and such a fantastic opportunity. I can’t believe I have been selected and over the moon that I have the chance to work with such a well respected organisation in the region.” Employer Rewards As an integral part of the on-going success of the scholarship scheme, all employer partners who sponsor a scholarship learner will receive: > A framed certificate > Feedback from the sponsored learner as they progress throughout their programme of study > Use of the business logo and name featured on the sponsored individual’s case study and other marketing material > A bespoke invitation to meet the chosen scholars as part of the scholarship induction day > To feature in promotional material > A regular feature as part of the wider scholarship scheme promotion, including tags on all Preston College social media channels. Selection of Scholars The application process for a scholarship opportunity opens in November each year, for prospective level 3 learners applying to join the college the following September. Upon closing, a cross-college selection process takes place, with shortlisted applicants interviewed. At interview, applicants are assessed on their responses to specific scholarship questions, providing opportunities to articulate plans for the course of study, aspirations for the future and personal qualities. This selection process highlights which applicants are suitable for the programme. Typically, we receive a large number of high calibre applicants, with many performing extremely well at interview, making the selection quite difficult. Scholar Expectations In return, appointed scholars are expected to demonstrate high standards within their curriculum area of study, setting the benchmark to inspire and encourage others. Excellent attendance and punctuality, alongside striving to hit and exceed target grades is also expected. In addition, all appointed scholars are expected to represent the college through attendance at college open events; engaging and showing prospective new learners and parents around the campus. They also meet with Governors, attend parents’ evenings and other appropriate events, including assembly presentations at their former secondary schools. The expectations are high, however, the robust selection process has allowed the college to appoint some fantastic ambassadors. They will become a collective group of young people with high aspirations and a willingness to step out of their comfort zone to better their skills, knowledge and confidence and to showcase the very best of both Preston College and their individual subject areas. If you would like to know more about the scholarship scheme and sponsoring a learner, please contact Debbie Ireland on: direland@preston.ac.uk Left to right: Catherine Ashcroft, Lexie Ayrey, Debbie Ireland, Gavin Hulme and Zac Wilkinson