The truck manufacturer is working with Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, Lancashire County Council and the Chamber of Commerce in a bid to ready students for the workplace.
Specifically, Leyland Trucks is sponsoring the electrical and electronics area of the new centre, recreating a working environment using company procedures and values, health and safety protocols and departmental engineering practices.
Detailed projects are already being assigned to iSTEM with Leyland Trucks workwear and PPE (personal protective equipment) being supplied to enable students to experience the look and feel of a Leyland Trucks employee.
HR director at Leyland Trucks Ivan Shearer believes that by investing in Preston's College now, the Lancashire truck maker stands to gain long-term benefits.
"Investing in young people at the start of their careers often means an opportunity to harness the very best talent in years to come," explains Shearer.
"The iSTEM Centre really does provide a centre of excellence for engineering skills in the north west, and we want to fully engage with the curriculum to support learners and boost skills in UK industry."