Mick Higgins is the Chief Operating Officer of Xacom Project Controls, a Preston-based consultancy firm he founded, specialising in project and risk management. He has been a Preston Vocational Centre (PVC) Board Member since December 2018 and has served as Chair since April 2021. 

As Chair of the Board, Mick works with other Board Members to ensure PVC delivers on its mission, plans strategically for the future and continues providing top-tier facilities and education to its students. 

Mick’s natural leadership, combined with his wealth of experience from running his consultancy business, have been instrumental in guiding PVC's success. As we enter Mick’s fourth year as Chair, he retains the same drive and ambition for the centre: for PVC to keep on improving and giving young people an excellent start in life. 

Rob Wakefield is the Chief Executive of Preston’s largest social housing landlord, Community Gateway Association (CGA), the parent organisation of Preston Vocational Centre. 

Since taking on the role in 2017, Rob has been actively involved in overseeing PVC’s growth and development, with immense pride in how far it has come since becoming CGA’s charitable subsidiary in 2013. 

A qualified accountant, Rob’s background spans several housing and regeneration organisations across the North West. In addition, Rob has served on the boards of several housing, education and charitable organisations. He is currently a non-executive director of Arawak Walton Housing Association, a specialist BME housing provider in Greater Manchester; and a board member of Empower, an organisation dedicated to specialist supported housing in Chorley. His broad experience in governance, finance and leadership strengthens PVC’s mission to provide opportunities for young people.  

Chris is the co-founder of JFN Integrated Solutions Ltd, a family business that provides organisations with vital operating systems in a wide range of areas such as high-end security, fire safety, audio-visual and communications. 

Founded in 2016, JFN have grown significantly, employing over 60 employees and providing services to a wide range of businesses and local authorities primarily across the North West and Yorkshire areas.   

Based at Red Scar Business Park in Preston, JFN plays a significant role in supporting Preston Vocational Centre through an annual Patron’s Package, while it has also recruited apprentices straight out of PVC, with a number of these apprentices achieving their Level 3 Apprenticeships to date – showing real faith in the Centre and giving young people excellent opportunities to grow, earn, and develop. 

Sian has been a valued member of the PVC Board since December 2018 and serves as the Board’s Safeguarding Champion. 

Now retired, Sian previously worked as a Deputy Head Teacher at a secondary school in Preston. She was always a strong advocate for sending her students to PVC, so that they could enhance their education through the completion of vocational courses. She has seen firsthand the life-changing impact the centre has on young people’s futures. Sian is incredibly proud of her involvement with PVC, and she continues to enjoy contributing to its ever-growing success. 

Katie Rudin joined the PVC Board in June 2024, bringing her expertise as an architect and Housing and Innovation Director at a built environment consultancy. Katie’s former roles have been based in London for housing associations in the research and development field – specifically off-site construction technology. 

Katie’s knowledge of the construction industry is invaluable to PVC, helping the Board understand the essential skills students need to thrive in the sector. Her contribution is crucial in shaping the curriculum to meet the demands of the modern construction landscape. 

Jane Smith joined the PVC Board in June 2024, bringing extensive experience in employment and skills development.  

As the director of an organisation that collaborates with construction companies to manage employment and skills outcomes, Jane’s expertise is vital in ensuring young people receive the training and opportunities they need to succeed. 

Her vast network and understanding of the sector make her an integral part of the PVC Board.