Successful year for students at online vocational awards ceremony

In another successful year for the centre, on St Pauls Road, Preston, students were given different awards last night, ranging from 'Student of the Year' to 'Volunteer of the Year'.

The school aims to create hands-on opportunities in different areas of construction - including plastering, building maintenance and brickwork.

In the online awards, that took place on Twitter last night, the Preston Vocational Centre celebrated the success of the school and sixth form learners and the end of an unusual and testing academic year.

Members of the PVC tutor team visited the 10 award winners with their trophies during the week. Even though handshakes were not exchanged this year, lots of congratulations and encouraging words were given to congratulate the students.

Centre manager, Martin Grayston, said: “I would like to congratulate all our students who have worked so hard this year and gained a recognised qualification, even though the last term was cut short by the pandemic.

"It was great to see so many of our young people gaining new skills, see their confidence grow and watching them progress onto an apprenticeship, job or further training. This is the most rewarding part of my job. I am proud of every one of them as I am my team who work hard to support everyone who comes through our door.”

Young people at the centre were able to achieve their BTEC Level 1 in Construction, being able to boast an overall achievement rate of 66 percent.

Students across the country completing both academic and vocational courses have been battling through their studies despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

The winners for 2019/20 were:

Student of the Year Award: Jack Stileman, Sponsored by Conlon Construction

Best All Round Ability Award: Callum McLean, Sponsored by Community Gateway Association

Most Improved Student Award: Hannah Pattison, Sponsored by Travis Perkins

Volunteer of the Year Award: Peter Hodgkinson, Sponsored by Sika

Outstanding Achievement in Building Maintenance Award – Jack Stileman, Sponsored by JFN

Outstanding Achievement in Plastering Award - Evan O’Higgins

Outstanding Achievement in Brickwork Award - Dylan Lawrenson

Outstanding Achievement in Plumbing Award - Matthew Shaw

Outstanding Achievement in Joinery and Carpentry Award - Gabe Watson

Outstanding Achievement in Painting and Decorating Award - Callum McLean

Julie Bather, Chair of the Board, said: “Congratulations to all our Preston Vocational Centre graduates. Unfortunately, we are unable to be together this year to celebrate your achievements at the annual awards ceremony.

"So, I would like to say how proud I am of you all and the qualifications you have achieved. I hope that many of you will continue your journey in construction and become the skilled and brilliant construction workers of the future.

"I hope your time at PVC has helped you to believe in yourselves and in your future. I wish you the best of luck and remember always strive to be the best you can be.”

More information about the awards and courses can be found at their website prestonvocationalcentre.co.uk.