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Preston College is set to receive a £1.4 million transformation over the next few months.
Work has begun to develop a new centre at the college, aiming to help create the ‘next generation of digital experts’.
Once completed, the centre will provide T-level courses in digital and creative subjects including media production, games design and accounting.
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T-level qualifications are an alternative to A-levels, apprenticeships and other courses. They focus on the development of technical skills and involve an industry placement of 45 days over two years.
The project will see the transformation of the existing music recording and changing facilities in the Visual Performing Arts and Digital School. Artwork is being commissioned for several areas by local Preston-based artist, Dave Rob.
The building work is being carried out by Longridge-based construction company, Carefoot and the project is being managed by architecture and design business, FWP.
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Kate Simmons, associate at FWP, which is headquartered in Preston said: “We’ve remodelled spaces in the existing VPAD building on campus and the result will be an accessible, modern, state-of-the-art facility perfect for developing and nurturing creativity.
“It will be the home for existing digital courses and, with its digital suites sitting alongside design and creative studios, it will allow the college to further develop new exciting courses in this growing field of opportunity.
“As part of our brief, we have come up with a quirky design, including specially commissioned wall art, that will appeal to students and enhance the feeling that this is a place for visual creativity.
“The college worked closely with us on the design. Preston College has built up a great reputation for developing digital creativity and creating a pipeline of talented people in the sector that businesses across the region can tap into.”
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It is the second major Preston College refurbishment involving FWP, using funds granted to the college by the Department for Education as part of the development of T-level courses.
In 2021, the architecture business supported the redesign of the college construction facility.
Simon Nixon, principal and chief executive at Preston College said: “Our updated facilities will provide a learning experience like no other, inspiring the next generation of talent in the diverse area of digital design and development.
“T-Levels are focused on developing the workforce of the future with skills that employers and the industry are looking for.”
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