Preston College Celebrates the Growing Impact of Adult Learning Across Lancashire

At the start of National Colleges Week, a national celebration of the transformative role further education plays, Preston College is proud to highlight its impact as a leading technical education provider for Preston and across Lancashire.

From industry-focused training, to reskilling and lifelong learning, the College equips individuals with the skills employers need, strengthens the regional workforce, and drives sustainable economic growth.

As industries evolve and career pathways shift, adult education has become a critical driver of economic resilience and social mobility. Across our adult and higher-level provision, Preston College offers inclusive and flexible routes into employment, career progression, and university-level study.

Recent labour market intelligence confirms that Preston College is the largest adult skills provider in Preston and South Ribble, holding 41% of the local market share with significant enrolments across priority sectors including health and social care, counselling, construction, engineering, digital, hair and beauty, maths and English, and professional qualifications. This reflects the scale of provision, the community impact and the trust placed in the College by students and employers alike.

Transforming Lives Through Education

While the data demonstrates reach and scale, the true impact of adult learning is best illustrated through the experiences of our students.

Belal’s journey is one such example. Arriving in Preston over four years ago as an asylum seeker, he faced the challenge of adapting to a new country, language and culture. Determined to build a brighter future, he enrolled on an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course at the College.

With the support of staff, Belal progressed from ESOL to a Digital Skills course and is now preparing to move into Health and Social Care. Alongside his studies, he also volunteers within ESOL classes to support other students — giving back to the community that supported him.

Belal said:
“Preston College’s guidance and encouragement, along with its supportive and inclusive atmosphere, has supported me to continue my studies with confidence.”

His tutor added:
“Belal refuses to let his circumstances define him. He uses his experiences to inspire others and demonstrates through hard work that anything is possible.”

His journey reflects the wider impact of the College: empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and opening doors to brighter futures.

Supporting Career Progression at Every Stage

Preston College also plays a vital role in enabling adults already in employment to progress further.

Sylwia returned to education after nine years working in the health sector, enrolling on a Level 3 Health and Social Care course. Balancing study, work as a support worker, and family life as a single parent, she immediately applied her learning in the workplace, strengthening her safeguarding knowledge and enhancing support for individuals with complex needs.

Now studying on the Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care (Mental Health), Sylwia has ambitions to move into management. Her journey demonstrates how adult education not only supports individual progression but also strengthen the wider regional workforce.

Progression into Higher Education

As a recognised University Centre, Preston College provides clear progression routes into higher-level qualifications including Foundation Degrees, HNCs, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), Degrees and higher apprenticeships. All programmes are developed in collaboration with industry to ensure students gain practical, employment-ready skills.

According to the most recent National Student Survey, 93% of Preston College higher education students reported feeling well supported in their studies, with 82% highlighting clear and constructive assessment feedback — results that exceed national averages across many higher education institutions.

A College Focused on Impact

Behind every success story is a dedicated community of teaching and support staff whose expertise, empathy, and commitment are central to the adult student experience. Staff work closely with employers, regional partners, and community organisations to ensure provision remains responsive, accessible, and aligned to real-world demand.

Mick Noblett, Vice Principal at Preston College, comments:

‘Preston College is a significant provider of Adult Learning and Skills, each year empowering thousands of Adults to achieve qualifications whilst enhancing their skills and knowledge. The significant majority of adult students that we engage take their skills back into industry and their communities, contributing positively to the Lancashire economy.’

Adult students at Preston College often balance study with careers, caring responsibilities and other commitments — a reflection of the ambition and resilience that defines the region. As a leading technical education provider for Preston and Lancashire, the College remains committed to delivering a responsive, forward-thinking curriculum that supports regional development while empowering individuals to achieve the futures they aspire to.

To find out more about adult and higher education opportunities at Preston College, visit www.preston.ac.uk/adults