High school students from across Lancashire studying 14-16 vocational courses at Preston’s College have been recognised for their hard work, dedication and stand out achievements over the last 12 months.
The annual awards evening, sponsored by the Eric Wright Learning Foundation and held at Preston North End Football Club, attracted more than 180 guests including learners, parents, carers, school and college staff, guests from the local LEP and Leyland Trucks and trustees from the Eric Wright Learning Foundation and the Eric Wright Charitable Trust.
Fifty trophies were handed out on the night, recognising young learners who demonstrated outstanding innovation, self-development and employability.
The students attend Preston’s College as part of their school week to train, develop professional skills and gain nationally-recognised qualifications in subjects such as construction, motor vehicle, child development and hair & beauty.
Seventeen accolades were awarded specifically to construction students studying at the Eric Wright Learning Foundation. Launched in 2005 to provide construction industry career paths to local young people and futureproof the pipeline of talent entering the sector, since 2015 the Eric Wright Learning Foundation has partnered with Preston’s College in delivering vocational courses. Learners study Level 1 to 3 vocational skills programmes and are taught in real work environments within a purpose-built construction centre that replicates a live site.
Eric Wright Learning Foundation student, Nathan Wilson from Academy @ Worden in Leyland, scooped Plasterer of the Year. Malachi White from Corpus Christi Catholic High School in Preston, was awarded Painter and Decorator of the Year. Fellow student, Tyler Baron from Brownedge St Mary’s Catholic High School in Bamber Bridge, was awarded part-time Bricklayer of the Year and Rory MacCarthy from Longridge High School, won the full-time Brickwork Student of the Year. Our final award of the evening was for Overall School of the Year which went to the Academy @ Worden in Leyland.
Diane Bourne, trustee of the Eric Wright Learning Foundation and managing director of Eric Wright Civil Engineering, said: “This event marks another great year of collaboration between the Eric Wright Learning Foundation and Preston’s College.
“It’s always so inspiring to see how dedicated these young people are and it’s down to their huge efforts and determination that make the 14-16 programmes a great success.”
Debbie Ireland at Preston’s College, added: “Our 14 to 16-year-old students show incredible levels of commitment and this event is an important part of our calendar to allow us to celebrate their achievements.
“Taught by a team of dedicated industry experts, learners gain skills and experience that are highly sought after within the workplace.
“We are proud of the strong relationships that we have established with our partner high schools in delivering these programmes and we are committed to offering learners the opportunity to combine vocational learning with their GCSEs.”
To find out more about the 14-16 courses at Preston’s College, visit: www.ewlf.co.uk
