12/10/2026
Sika has become a patron of Vault Youth Zone, launching a long-term partnership to help young people across Preston build skills, confidence and awareness of career opportunities in construction and manufacturing.
The partnership builds on Sika’s long-standing presence in Preston, where many employees live, work and raise their families. It reflects the company’s commitment to investing in the community and creating meaningful opportunities for young people.
Sika selected Vault Youth Zone for its work in providing a safe, inclusive environment where young people aged from eight to 19 (or 25 with additional needs) from across Preston can access a diverse programme of activities and guidance from dedicated youth workers. Vault empowers young people to achieve their potential and build brighter futures.
The partnership will go beyond financial support, with Sika and the Vault Youth Zone working together to support a programme of volunteering, mentoring, workplace visits, careers events and skills-based activities. These opportunities will give young people first-hand insight into working life and the range of careers available across construction and manufacturing.
Leaders from both organisations welcomed the partnership, highlighting their shared commitment to creating practical opportunities for young people and delivering lasting benefits for the Preston community.
Tim Jacques, CEO at Vault Youth Zone, commented on the partnership: "We are delighted to welcome Sika as a patron of Vault Youth Zone. Their support, expertise and commitment to Preston will make a valuable contribution to our work with young people. It is particularly encouraging to have the support of a local business that shares our belief in the importance of skills, education and creating positive opportunities for the next generation.
"Jumoke Adegunle, Business Unit Manager for Building Envelope at Sika added: “Preston has been home to Sika for many years, and we're proud to be part of the city's business community. Visiting Vault and seeing the fantastic spaces and opportunities available to young people has reinforced why this partnership is so important. By working together, we hope to help young people broaden their horizons, and discover career opportunities they may not previously have considered. We are excited to support Vault and build a partnership that creates lasting benefits for Preston.”
Sika looks forward to continuing to build on partnerships between businesses and community charities such as Vault Youth Zone and hopes this partnership will encourage other local businesses to explore how their time, expertise and support could help Vault create further opportunities for young people across Preston.
OnSide is a national charity that believes every young person should have the opportunity to discover their passion and purpose. It funds and builds state-of-the-art, multimillion-pound Youth Zones in some of the UK’s most economically disadvantaged areas, training the teams who run them and providing ongoing support through the national OnSide Network. Youth Zones offer more than 20 activities each evening — from sport and climbing to music, media and employability training — for just 50p per visit, plus a £5 annual membership fee. Staffed by dedicated youth workers, they provide safe, inspiring spaces where young people can develop the skills, confidence and ambition to achieve their potential.
Each Youth Zone is an independent charity with its own private sector-led board. This model of local ownership is a key factor in ensuring the financial sustainability of each Youth Zone. The Youth Zone provides a way for local communities to actively support their young people between the ages of 8 and 19 (25 for those with additional needs).
Visit www.onsideyouthzones.org for more details.