Staff Update – Friday 7 November

It doesn’t seem long since we were welcoming our new students into College, and suddenly it’s November, dark nights and lots of rain. However, the first half term of the year has been excellent, and so it is a real pleasure to be able to share our many recent good news stories through this Staff Update.

From outstanding student progress to exceptional results, there is so much we should be proud of and even more to look forward to, including Open Events, Christmas activities, and, upon our return in the new year, the Green Skills Summit and the Exceptional Apprentice and Employer Awards. I am also looking forward to sharing information on our recently revised Staff Behaviour Code, as well as early thinking on our next Strategic Plan, at our December Staff Development Days.

This update also includes some important dates for your diary – a useful reference for the months ahead. Whilst not everything will apply to everyone, it is great to share the hard work happening across the College and ensure that all staff are kept informed about what will be happening for the rest of the year.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing commitment and dedication. The achievements we celebrate – big and small – would not be possible without the individual and team efforts that shine through each day.

Headline News

Our Level 3 Pharmacy Apprentices Qualify

2025-26 began with an exciting milestone as our Level 3 Pharmacy Apprentices achieved their Apprenticeship Standard and began the exciting phase of registering with the General Pharmaceutical Council as fully qualified Pharmacy Technicians.

Throughout their apprenticeship, they have demonstrated outstanding determination and commitment to their work. Over the course of their training, they’ve grown in confidence, and developed into skilled capable professionals ready to make their mark in the pharmaceutical industry.

This is a great achievement in their professional journey, and most definitely a proud moment for us all at Preston College!

Celebrating Excellent Results at Preston College

Results Day 2025 was filled with excitement, pride, and celebration as students from across all provision discovered the results of their commitment, hard work and dedication.

We’re proud to share that students achieved excellent pass rates across a wide range of technical subjects, again achieving higher than the national average.

A huge congratulations to all our students, and a heartfelt thank you to our teaching and support staff, who continue to guide and inspire students every step of the way, and for helping to make 2024-25 another exceptional year for the College.

A Decade Of Building Futures: Preston College and Eric Wright Group’s Transformative Partnership

Preston College and the Eric Wright Group are proud to celebrate 10 years of an impactful partnership that has transformed lives and created opportunities for many young people across Lancashire.

Since its inception in 2015, the partnership has continued to deliver high-quality training and education across a range of provision including 14-16, apprenticeships and professional development for adults working within the Construction sector.

To celebrate this milestone, the Eric Wright Learning Foundation hosted a special student celebration at Preston College, which recognised the hard work, achievements, and progression of our students who have benefited from the partnership.

As we look to the future, the College and the Eric Wright Group remain committed to driving innovation, inclusion, and excellence in construction education.

Read the full story here

Spook-tactular Surprise: PCD’s Halloween Flash Mob Takes Over the High Street!

Recently, Preston College Dance (PCD) brought an exciting surprise to the High Street with a Halloween-themed flash mob that left staff and students suitably spooked!

Despite the inclement weather, the flash mob was a huge success and a perfect example of our 5 A’s in action. It was a brilliant reminder of how together, we can make every moment at the college, engaging, inclusive and memorable.

A massive thank you to our incredible PCD students, the backstage crew, and our talented film and photography students for capturing the action. A special thank you is given to Rebecca Jackson for her exceptional choreography and for organising this event in such a short space of time.

*Photo Credits, Ashleigh Gillett

Watch the full video here!

Preston College Class Of ’77 Reunite After 48 Years!

Almost half a century after walking out of the classrooms of Preston College for the last time (then known as WR Tuson College), a group of former students reunited to reminisce, reconnect, and raise a toast to the people and the place that helped shape their early adult lives.

Travelling from across the UK and even the USA to be part of the reunion, the classmates came together to share memories, laughter, and stories from their college days, demonstrating the strength and longevity of the friendships and bonds formed all those years ago.

Read the full story here

North West Ambulance Service Inspires Future Public Service Professionals

Recently, our Public Service students attended a special event hosted by the North West Ambulance Service at Crossgate Church, where they were given a valuable insight into the world of emergency services.

This trip allowed students to hear directly from industry professionals, learning about their professional experiences, and the realities of working on the frontline.

This visit was a huge success, receiving fantastic feedback from students who left feeling inspired, informed and even more excited about their future careers.

Preston College Joins National ‘Partner a College’ Programme Strengthening Construction Skills and Career Opportunities

Preston College is proud to join the national ‘Partner a College’ programme – an innovative two-year initiative led by the Home Builders Federation (HBF) and funded by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

As one of just 10 colleges selected nationally, Preston College is collaborating with leading home builders, including Anwyl Homes, to ensure that our curriculum remains closely aligned with the practical, job-ready skills needed by employers.

Through this partnership, students and apprentices will gain hands-on experience through classroom and workshop support, on-site visits, and industry mentoring – preparing them for successful careers in construction.

Read the full story here

Barbering Graduate Shares Expertise with Barbering Masterclass

Over the years, we have said goodbye to many talented students as they’ve gone on to build successful careers, and it’s always a pleasure to welcome them back to share their journey and expertise.

On this occasion, we were delighted to have Louis Dykeman return to college, a proud graduate of our Level 2 Barbering course (Class of 2022), who returned to deliver his first masterclass to our current Barbering students.

Louis shared his inspiring journey with the class, from student to successful Barber and business owner, highlighting how his time at Preston College laid the foundations for his career.

Our appreciation goes to Louis for sharing his journey and emphasising what’s possible with ambition and the right attitude.

Rising Musician Inspires Students Through Music and Meaningful Messages

On 8 October, in support of World Mental Health Day, we had the pleasure of hosting Joel Foster, a talented young musician with an extraordinary story to tell. At just 20 years old, Joel has already performed at more than 250 gigs, whilst also making an appearance on the first season of The Voice Kids UK.

During his visit, Joel used his platform to deliver powerful messages about mental health, respectful relationships, and anti-bullying, encouraging our students to reflect on their own experiences and navigate life’s challenges with confidence and kindness.

We are grateful to Joel for sharing his story and using his talent to make a positive impact on our students!

Read the full story here

Celebrating Talent and Achievement During T Levels Week

Between 13-17 October, Preston College proudly joined colleges across the country in celebrating T Level Celebration Week – a time to recognise the achievements, hard work, and dedication of our staff and students on these programmes.

Since introducing T Levels in 2022, the college continues to expand our offer across a range of exciting subject areas, providing students with hands-on experience and industry-standard skills designed to prepare them for successful future careers.

Throughout the week, we highlighted the strength and success of our T-Level provision by showcasing; outstanding student achievements, inspiring Industry Placements and the strong partnerships we have built with local employers.

Celebrating Staff Success: Double Triumph for Steve Catterall!

We are thrilled to celebrate the recent achievements of Steve Catterall, our Carpentry and Joinery Lecturer, whose dedication and impact has been honoured with two significant awards.

In July, Steve was shortlisted Tutor of the Year, at the Preston College 2025 Staff Awards, a fantastic achievement in its own right.

Steve was also nominated and and subsequently won the prestigious ‘Construction Apprenticeship Tutor of the Year’ at the recent Construction Apprenticeship Awards, held at Dukes 92 in Manchester.

Yet another proud moment for all of us and a testament to Steve’s hard work, commitment and the positive influence he has on his students and the wider Preston College community.

Congratulations, Steve – you deserve to feel very proud, as we all are.

Tell Marketing

Remember, if you have a story to share, be sure to ‘Tell Marketing’.

Whether your students have taken part in a project, competition, or college trip, overcome challenges, or achieved something they never thought possible – we want to hear about it.

Has your school or department received exciting news? Do you have exceptional staff or student work you’d like to showcase? Don’t keep it to yourself – please do share it with us.

Please note that ‘Tell Marketing’ is for staff use only.

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