Who We Work With
Our Key Employer Partnerships
At Preston College we work in partnership with some of the county’s leading employers. Our relationships with them have been built over many years and we tailor our programmes to meet the needs of industry, ensuring our students are equipped with the technical skills required by employers.
Eric Wright Group
Since 2015, Preston College has partnered with the Eric Wright Group, delivering high-quality training and educational provision to learners across a range of programmes, including full-time study for our 16-19-year-olds, apprentices, and professional development for adults within the construction sector.
In addition, through their subsidiary group and Charitable Trust, the Eric Wright Learning Foundation (EWLF) over the past ten years, has opened doors to over 6,500 14-16-year-olds who have been able to gain early access to high-quality construction training, personalised support, and knowledge of the wide range of career pathways available within the construction industry.
Catherine Ashcroft, Education Co-ordinator at Eric Wright Learning Foundation says: “At the heart of this partnership lies a shared commitment to inspiring and supporting young people to learn and develop skills in the construction and built environment industry. We are excited to build and develop our support and offering to many more young people in the future.”
A standout feature of the collaboration is the creation of a realistic, hands-on work environment at Preston College; a space designed in close consultation with the Eric Wright Group to mirror the standards, safety protocols, and working practices of a live construction site. This environment has become a cornerstone of the student experience, offering practical, hands-on learning that bridges the gap between classroom theory and industry reality.
The partnership has also played a vital role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the sector, with a particular focus on increasing the number of females entering construction careers.
Community-based learning projects have further extended the impact of the collaboration, bringing tangible benefits to local residents while giving students the chance to apply their skills in meaningful, real-life projects, shaping their career opportunities within the sector.
For more information on Eric Wright Group visit www.ericwright.co.uk/charitable-trust/the-eric-wright-learning-foundation/
Preston North End Community and Education Trust
Our training agreement with Preston North End Community and Education Trust enhances the Club’s Level 2 and Level 3 training programmes in sport by providing expertise in vocational-technical training and quality assurance checks.
Based at Deepdale Stadium, the programmes provide learners with the option to continue their further education in a professional football club setting whilst still gaining a recognised qualification that could progress them into employment or onto university.
Learners completing the course are also able to progress on to the Trust’s Foundation Degree in Community Football Coaching and Development, allowing them to prolong their education whilst still being able to access the exclusive work experience and first class facilities that the professional football club can offer.
For more information on the Community and Education Trust visit www.pnefc.net/pnecet/education
Employer collaborations
We are privileged to say that our college works with almost a thousand local and regional employers who employ apprentices year on year; offering over 900 apprentices an opportunity to learn, earn, and start progressing their careers. Below is just a snapshot of the employers Preston College works with!
Want to join our employer community and be a part of something great and appoint an apprentice? Email employerenquiry@preston.ac.uk
Robin Oatridge & Co.
“At Robin Oatridge & Co apprentices play a very important role within our firm. Each September, we take on a school or college leaver onto the AAT Apprenticeship scheme. We have worked alongside Preston College for a number of years now, as we believe in helping talented individuals develop into qualified and highly competent Accountants. Apprentices enjoy the support provided from their Preston College tutors whilst playing an active role within a thriving Accountancy office.”
HGV Cicely Mercedes
“Our apprentices play a critical role in helping to keep businesses moving. We have apprentices working throughout our business, in our workshops, service office, parts department and finance. Our longest serving member of staff, our Prep Centre Manager, started with us as an apprentice over 50 years ago. We have many more, Managers and Directors that started their careers as an apprentice with us. We believe in growing our own and see a massive value in developing our future through the apprenticeship programmes.”
Croston MOT Centre
“We have collaborated with Preston College for many years and we ensure that our apprentices receive a high level of education that compliments the on-the-job training. This partnership ensures that apprentices are well-rounded, knowledgeable, and ready to meet the demands of the automotive industry. By working with Preston College, we guarantee that our apprentices receive the best possible training”.
Clearview
“Apprenticeships are incredibly important,” Richard Ashley, Clearview Operation’s Director says. “At Clearview, we take on apprentices of all ages and levels across the business. Being in the construction sector means that we have opportunities for people to develop their careers in everything from customer service to project management to building trades. Working with Preston College allows us to attract apprentices of all ages and skill levels and offer our current staff the chance to undertake courses whilst working for us.”
