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Preston College gives learners the chance to work with the same tools and technology used in modern workplaces. Backed by the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology, each specialist space is designed to feel like a real environment, whether that’s a design studio, workshop or clinical setting.
Students can get hands-on with everything from CAD software and 3D printers to healthcare simulation beds and media production gear. It’s practical, immersive learning that helps build skills and confidence for the careers they want to pursue.
The Architecture Suite is the creative and technical heart of Preston College’s built environment programmes. Fully funded through the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology, the suite is equipped with high-spec computers running Revit, AutoCAD, Fusion and BIM software to support Level 3 and Level 4 courses in Design, Surveying, and Planning as well as Construction and the Built Environment (HNC/HND).
Students use these tools to produce professional architectural and engineering drawings, develop 3D models and run simulations. The room also supports HoloLens mixed reality technology, allowing students to walk through virtual versions of their designs and carry out clash detection or layout visualisation.
The space is in constant use — five days a week and two evenings — hosting classes, assessments and professional events. Preston College works closely with industry partners including Roland Homes, Persimmon and the Home Builders Federation, ensuring learning aligns with employer needs.
“Our students can visualise, design and problem-solve using the same technology that’s reshaping the construction industry,” says Zac Wilkinson. “By the time they complete their HNC or HND, they’re already working at the level of CAD technicians.”
The 3D Scanning and Prototyping Lab allows learners to transform ideas into physical reality using industry-standard 3D printers and scanners. The facility includes several types of 3D printers, ranging from smaller resin and plastic units to larger industrial-grade machines capable of printing in metal.
Students can scan an object using the 360-degree 3D scanner, create a digital model, modify it in CAD software, and then print it — a process that mirrors reverse engineering and product development used across manufacturing and automotive sectors.
The lab also houses a robotic arm, used to teach automation and programming principles. Learners can simulate repetitive industrial processes — such as component assembly or automated loading — and design programs to optimise performance. The equipment provides valuable experience for apprentices moving into fields such as robotics, mechatronics and manufacturing engineering.
“This is about developing industry confidence,” says Zac. “When apprentices encounter large-scale automation or 3D printing equipment in the workplace, they already understand how it runs, how it’s maintained and how to problem-solve.”
The Digital Innovation Hub is one of Preston College’s flagship investments — a £1 million facility dedicated to digital creativity, design and media production. The hub features multiple modern, glass-fronted classrooms and open studios equipped with high-spec PCs, gaming-grade processors, and specialist editing software.
Students across Digital Design, Media, Photography and Film use the hub to explore digital storytelling, animation, 3D environments and video production. The facilities are capable of high-end rendering and editing, with hardware powerful enough to handle advanced creative workflows.
Each room is designed to feel modern and immersive, mirroring industry studios rather than traditional classrooms. Students can project, collaborate and share work instantly, with access to digital drawing tablets, iPads and multi-screen setups.
“These rooms don’t just look modern — they make learning feel real,” says Zac. “Students can see a direct link between their work here and the creative industries they aspire to join.”
The Hive is a soundproof digital learning and broadcast space, part of Preston College’s broader Learning Zone investment supported by IoT. It provides a flexible teaching environment equipped for virtual lectures, online delivery, and digital project-based learning. Lecturers can run live sessions from the Hive while students participate across linked rooms, creating a connected and collaborative learning experience.
This adaptable space is also used for virtual reality demonstrations, staff training, and project showcases, underlining Preston College’s commitment to integrating technology across all learning disciplines.
At the other end of the campus, IoT investment has helped transform the Health and Social Care department into a series of realistic, fully equipped training environments. The facilities include a complete dental suite, rehabilitation and physiotherapy spaces and clinical care rooms with hospital beds, hoists, and patient simulation equipment partly funded by the Lancashire and Cumbria IoT.
These environments allow students to practise essential care, mobility, and communication skills in realistic conditions before entering professional placements. The spaces are large, light-filled and designed to replicate modern healthcare environments — giving learners the confidence and competence needed to succeed in hospitals, clinics, and community care settings.