Preston College’s construction course given a boost as Forterra names it a Construction Hub

Preston College has been named a Construction Hub by leading building products manufacturer Forterra. Joining a further seven colleges, all selected via the national competitive application process, the successful college says it is now looking forward to the extra support it can give its students.

Forterra’s Construction Hubs benefit from expert advice and support from leading figures in the construction industry who will share their industry knowledge through a series of site visits and talks supporting the emerging talent from each college. The colleges will also enjoy a boost to their resources, with a donation of 12,000 bricks, branded merchandise and the opportunity for one exemplary student to receive £500 worth of tools.

The Construction Hubs are central to the company’s nationwide effort to inspire ambition and foster raw talent in the next generation of construction workers. With the support of Forterra, the colleges are set to embark on brickwork projects including internal competitions and local community projects, with the aim of increasing the skills and enthusiasm of their students.

Stephen Harrison, Chief Executive of Forterra, said: “We are pleased to announce the eight colleges selected to join the London Brick Construction Hubs. We have been impressed by the high standard of applications received, and have every confidence that these colleges and their students will go on to produce brickwork of the highest quality. Forterra takes pride in supporting the continued development of high standards and technical skills in the bricklaying industry with the view of bolstering future UK productivity.”

The seven other colleges are Buckinghamshire College Group, Burnley College, Hertford Regional College, Lewisham College, Stamford College, Truro and Penwith College, and Warrington and Vale Royal College.

Forterra continues to support upcoming bricklaying talent in a variety of ways, including through the Forterra London Apprentice Challenge and annual Best in London Brick contest at Lewisham College which uses Forterra’s iconic London Brick.

For more information on Forterra’s Construction Hubs, visit https://www.forterra.co.uk/about-us/community/construction-hubs/.