Mayor meets apprentices building bright futures

Persimmon Homes has donated 10,000 bricks to Preston College, an amount sufficient to build a three-bedroom home. These bricks will be used to support the training of apprentices, full-time students, and adult learners. This allows students to gain experience with the same high-quality materials used on live construction sites across Lancashire.

Councillor Khan commented on the importance of such partnerships, stating, “It was great to visit the college and see first-hand the enthusiasm and talent of its apprentices. They represent the future workforce that will help to drive growth across Preston. It's also encouraging to see businesses such as Persimmon working closely with local colleges to support skills development and create opportunities for young people. These partnerships are essential if we are to encourage more people into skilled roles.”

Gareth Stansfield, Managing Director at Persimmon Homes Lancashire, added, “We are proud to support Preston College by donating 10,000 bricks to help apprentices gain valuable hands-on experience. Encouraging more people into skilled trades is essential for the future of the construction industry, and partnerships between local businesses and colleges are key to achieving this.”

Mick Noblett, Vice Principal at Preston College, highlighted the benefits, saying, “Working closely with Persimmon Homes is incredibly beneficial for both our students and the wider construction industry. Their donation of 10,000 bricks is more than a gesture - it directly strengthens the quality of training we provide. By giving our students access to the same materials and standards used on live building sites, we’re ensuring they develop the practical skills, confidence and industry awareness needed to step straight into skilled employment. Partnerships like this help us bridge the gap between education and the workplace, preparing our students not just for their first job, but for long, successful careers in construction.”