Preston College secures £3.6m for major construction centre revamp

Preston College has been awarded £3.6m from the government to transform and expand its Construction Skills Centre.

The college says the project will create greater capacity for a ‘modern, industry-standard facility’ to train the future workforce Lancashire needs to support its housing, infrastructure and economic growth.

The investment has been awarded through the government’s Construction Skills Capacity Fund and will enable a major remodelling and enhancement of the college’s existing construction facilities.

Announcing the funding, the college says the enhanced facilities will be ready for the 2027/28 academic year.

In a statement, Preston College said: “The investment comes at a pivotal time for both technical education and the construction industry.

“Across the country, colleges are facing increasing demand for construction training, with reports that thousands of young people have been unable to access their preferred construction courses because of a lack of specialist workshop capacity.

“The announcement also comes as technical education is receiving a renewed national focus, with the Prime Minister setting out a clear ambition to raise the status of technical and vocational education, and give young people earlier access to technical education, skills training, work experience and employer connections.”

Mick Noblett, college vice principal for curriculum delivery and planning, added: “It represents a major vote of confidence in the college’s role in delivering the skilled workforce that Lancashire needs.

“We know there is significant demand for construction training from young people and adults, and we know from our close relationships with employers where the skills shortages and future opportunities are. Our challenge has been having the specialist space to respond to that demand.”

College bosses say the expanded facilities will increase capacity across traditional construction trades, including brickwork, plastering, carpentry and joinery, alongside Building Services Engineering and emerging areas of modern methods of construction and low-carbon building techniques.

They will also provide industry-standard environments that reflect current and emerging practice and aligning to employer needs.

Students will benefit from “significant employer engagement”, including live project briefs, industry input, mentoring and clear progression routes into apprenticeships and employment.

The result will be an expansive skills pathway, from entry-level provision through to advanced technical and professional roles - helping more people in Lancashire to access rewarding careers and giving employers a stronger pipeline of skilled talent.

Simon Nixon, the college’s principal and chief executive, said: “Construction is fundamental to Lancashire’s future - from delivering the homes we need, to major infrastructure, energy efficiency and the transition towards a lower-carbon economy.

“It is also particularly timely given the renewed national focus on technical education. There should be no hierarchy between academic and technical routes. Young people and adults deserve high-quality choices that lead to successful careers, and this investment will help us provide exactly that.”