At Preston Vocational Centre (PVC), we are always proud to see our learners go on to achieve great things in their careers. National Apprenticeship Week 2025 is the perfect time to celebrate these success stories, and today, we are shining a spotlight on Jess, one of our former students who has taken a huge step into the world of construction.
Jess joined us from Larches High School and spent two years at PVC, working hard to achieve her City & Guilds Level 1 qualification in Construction. Her dedication and talent were clear from the start, and when the opportunity arose for a work experience placement at Bell Group, we knew she was ready.
Jess impressed the team at Bell Group so much during her one-week placement that they quickly offered her a two-year Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship. Now, she’s thriving as part of their team, gaining real-world experience on-site and contributing to projects, including working on Community Gateway Association (PVC’s parent organisation) homes in Preston.
Reflecting on her journey, Jess shared:
“My time at PVC was amazing. Everyone was always supportive and helpful. I miss it, but I’m also excited about what’s ahead. My advice to anyone thinking about PVC is simple – go for it! It opens so many doors and sets you up for a career you can be proud of.
“Bell Group have given me a fantastic opportunity and I’m so grateful to them. I like working with the team who have been so kind and supportive. My work on site has recently included working on several Community Gateway Association homes on the Callon estate in Ribbleton, so it is nice to be working for tenants in Preston, where I studied with PVC, who are part of that bigger CGA and PVC community.
“I’m looking forward to continuing my learning and development with them and hopefully once my apprenticeship is complete, I can have a fantastic career with Bell Group."
Jess is already making a name for herself at Bell Group. Her Contract Manager, Michael Basterfield, has been full of praise, highlighting her ambition, hard work, and the positive impact she’s had on the team.
“At Bell Group, we are always looking to develop young talent, so when we connected with PVC in 2023, we saw a great opportunity to support their learners through work experience and apprenticeships. Jess joined us for a one-week placement, and she made such a strong impression that we immediately offered her a Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship. I’m delighted she accepted - she’s been working hard, and proving to be a valuable member of the team.”
Martin Grayston, Centre Manager at Preston Vocational Centre, said:
“I couldn’t be prouder of Jess. Seeing our learners move into rewarding apprenticeships and careers is exactly why we do what we do at PVC. We’re grateful to Bell Group for their commitment to nurturing young talent and look forward to seeing Jess continue to grow in her role.
This National Apprenticeship Week, we celebrate Jess and all our past and present learners who have taken the leap into apprenticeships. If you’re thinking about a future in construction, PVC is here to help you take that first step.