Helping to Build a Better Future Back in 2015, research which was carried out for the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) showed that there was a real need for construction skills across all levels in Lancashire, highlighting a very obvious skills gap in the county relating to the significant incoming City Deal investment. In an urgent response, Preston College initiated the ‘Central Lancashire Construction Skills Hub’, leading a group of partners including local authorities, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and other local training providers to work collaboratively to ensure that provision across Lancashire was developed to meet the identified skills shortages in Construction. Central to our planning was ensuring that local individuals and businesses prospered from the inward investment, and we proactively set about the process of research, engagement and curriculum development. The Central Lancashire Construction Skills Hub continues to have significant impact. The construction provision at Preston College has grown and diversified, currently being our largest technical curriculum area across college-based and apprenticeship provision. Learner numbers have grown exponentially, whilst the range and breadth of employer and other partners is significant. Preston College is proud to work with some of the largest leading house builders in the region. Tyler Smith Rowland Homes Tyler Smith, a Level 2 bricklaying apprentice at Rowland Homes says: “I chose to do an apprenticeship with Rowland Homes because I like the idea of experiencing work onsite and learning whilst at the same time earning a salary. Hopefully after the training and learning I will become a fully qualified bricklayer which will lead to future success”. Linda Gaskin at Rowland Homes says: “We recruit six apprentices and joiners with Preston College every year. We make sure that collaboratively, the apprentices learn new skills within their trade and they gain as much real life work experience on a construction site. They are led by a team of industry experts and each have a mentor that supports them and guides them though their learning. Knowing that the apprentices come to college one day a week to learn the technical skills enriches their apprenticeship journey. The partnership works well and our apprentices are thriving.” Reece Bolton, Level 2 joinery apprentice says: “I was in my midtwenties and wanted a career change. I enjoyed helping my dad onsite which led to the apprenticeship. Working with new people in different places and working on different things each week really appeals to me. I am looking forward to completing my Level 2 and progressing onto the Level 3; to become competent at my job and to be fully self-employed after my apprenticeship.” 24
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