The Most - Issue 1

Over the past four years we have hit the objectives and the results have shown: > Over 300 SMEs have engaged in procurement and information events through twelve events organised with Preston’s College and the three key local authorities. > We’ve seen growth in school leaver enrolments, apprenticeships and higher education starts, plus an increase from 14 to 104 of 14-16 year olds participating in construction education. > We’ve seen an increase from 47% to 74% in learners participating in external work experience, an increase in SME engagement of the procurement of apprenticeships, and 6 principal contractors are now engaged in recruiting apprentices. > Over 3,000 learners attended the Bridge the Gap masterclass in 2018-2019 with a further 3,200 planned for 2019/20! We will now continue to ensure that the Lancashire construction industry has a continual supply chain of work-ready learners and competent apprentices, together with enabling adult learners to upskill and progress career ambitions within the construction industry. Our school’s vision similarly is to make learners the most employable and create sustained progression from classroom-based learning to apprenticeships and/or employment whilst delivering industry relevant skills and knowledge and we are more than pleased to report progress in all of these primary areas. Back in 2015, it came to our attention from research carried out for the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) that there was a real need for construction skills across all levels, highlighting a very obvious skills gap in the Lancashire area. In an urgent response, The City Deal agenda was proposed and Preston’s College were more than proud to partner with the local authorities, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and other local training providers to work collaboratively to ensure that as a county, construction would not flail. Fast forward four years later and the impact and engagement from the work that has been undertaken has been reported; showcasing the work, the impact and engagement which will help bridge the skills gap in the local area. Our primary tasks were to: > Provide information and engage with large construction organisations, SME’s and the self-employed. > Create employment and skills opportunities for the Central Lancashire Community > Deliver a centralised approach to the procurement of training in construction > Promote construction in primary, secondary, College and HE institutions. The Construction Skills Gap, The City Deal and The Preston’s College Promise Preston’s College Construction Centre Mark Taylor updates delegates on City Deal results 04