We are proud to announce the successful completion of the 'Pathway to Progress' programme. This initiative, held in partnership with Keepmoat and funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, was designed to support young people through diversion, prevention and intervention strategies during the summer holidays.
The 'Pathway to Progress' programme offered participants a comprehensive introduction to the construction industry. Educational sessions were held for two hours per day, two days a week, providing a solid foundation in various trades. Students engaged in hands-on taster sessions in plastering, brickwork, plumbing, joinery and painting, gaining valuable practical experience.
Beyond technical skills, the programme included fun and interactive employability sessions tailored to the construction industry. These sessions aimed to enhance the participants' job readiness, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in their future careers.
A key highlight of the programme was the active involvement of industry professionals, which provided students with valuable insights and real-world experience. On the final day, a representative from Ionic visited PVC to discuss job opportunities with the students, offering guidance on potential career paths within the construction industry. Jeff from Sterling Plastering Group also contributed by leading a hands-on plastering session, where he shared his expertise and provided a glimpse into the trade.
Reflecting on his experience, Jeff said:
"I visited PVC to share some plastering skills with the students and explore how we can offer them more opportunities. My goal is to give young people a chance and create more pathways into the construction industry."
Additionally, guest speakers from the bricklaying and plastering sectors delivered live demonstrations and shared their entrepreneurial journeys, further inspiring and motivating the participants.
Students also had the unique opportunity to visit a live construction site at Farington Mews. This visit allowed them to witness a real working environment, interact with professionals and gain a deeper understanding of the industry's day-to-day operations.
To recognise their hard work and dedication, certificates and gift vouchers were awarded to the students who successfully completed the programme. The impact of the 'Pathway to Progress' programme was not only evident in the skills gained but also in the enthusiasm and future aspirations it sparked among the participants.
Henry, a participant, shared his thoughts:
"Out of everything I’ve done, plastering has been the most enjoyable. I’ve been coming to PVC once a week for a year and this summer course really helped solidify my interest. Now, I’m planning to go to Preston College to take a course in plastering. PVC gave me the hands-on experience I needed to find what I love."
Chloe, another student, said:
"It’s been amazing! I’ve never met so many people or learned so much about construction as I have at PVC during this course. I was unsure about what I wanted to do, but I’m lucky to have been able to explore different skills and trades. Now, I’m excited to go to Preston College to pursue a course in bricklaying."
Logan, who came from the Prince's Trust, reflected on his journey:
"I came from the Prince's Trust and they introduced me to this course. It was perfect for me and has kept me out of trouble. Now, I’m hoping to join the apprenticeship programme at PVC and build on everything I’ve learned."
The 'Pathway to Progress' programme not only raised awareness of the diverse roles within the construction industry but also provided vital support and skill development for vulnerable young people. The initiative received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, guest speakers and partners, highlighting its effectiveness in offering constructive engagement and a positive pathway during the summer months.
Julie Baker, Social Value Manager at Keepmoat, emphasised the importance of such initiatives:
"As a company, we’re driven to help deliver a sustainable future and for us, this means not only delivering much-needed energy-efficient new homes but also making a positive impact on the communities we work with.
“Working in partnership with Preston Vocational Centre and the Lancashire Police Crime Commissioner, we created a bespoke summer programme aimed at giving young people a deeper understanding of the construction industry through hands-on trade taster sessions and fun employability workshops. This raised their awareness of our industry, boosted their aspirations and confidence and enabled them to make well-informed decisions as they progress in their career journeys.
“School holidays can be a challenging time for young people, as there is little for them to do, which can increase the risk of getting involved in crime or anti-social behaviour. It is vital that we all work together to give young people these opportunities to develop their knowledge, skills and qualities to help them progress into further education or employment, while keeping them engaged and motivated during this difficult time. We wish them all the very best in their future careers."
Martin Grayston, PVC Centre Manager, expressed his pride in the programme's success:
“We’re incredibly proud of what the students have achieved through the 'Pathway to Progress' programme. Our goal at PVC is to empower young people by providing them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. This programme has not only introduced them to the construction industry but has also given them real-world experience and a clearer path towards their future careers. We couldn't have done it without the invaluable support of our partners, Keepmoat and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire. Their collaboration was essential in making this a success and we’re excited to see where the students’ newfound skills will take them.”
In a promising development following the programme, we are thrilled to announce that one of our participants, Bradley, has been offered and has accepted a bricklaying apprenticeship with Keepmoat. This exciting opportunity underscores the programme's success in providing young people with the skills and pathways needed to launch their careers. Congratulations to Bradley and a big thank you to Keepmoat for their ongoing support and dedication to empowering our students.
As the programme concludes, PVC and our partners remain committed to empowering young people by providing them with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive in their future careers.
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