Improve your skills

Whether you’re out of work, fresh out of college or just looking for a change in career – gaining new skills can really make a difference to your future.

The local people featured are from our marketing campaign to promote skills and training opportunities. The aim of the campaign is to highlight the importance of learning – encouraging adults to give learning a go, to catch up on skills missed whilst at school or improve their current prospects.

Over the coming years the borough is due to see massive investment and the creation of many more jobs. That’s why it’s vital that local residents have the best possible chance of securing those jobs. Gaining new or extra skills to put to good use in the workplace is the first, and one of the most important, steps in this process.

Call today

To find out about courses near you call us on 0300 303 1000.

 

Case studies

Skills campaign - Andy WhittakerAndy

"I was unemployed for a few years while battling alcoholism. After a detox I did voluntary work to pick up some new skills and trained to become a qualified sports coach."

Skills campaign - Shirley JoyShirley, 53, from Rochdale

"I was made redundant from my job as a gym trainer. An IT course helped me get back on my feet and after six months out of work I’m now a customer service adviser."

Skills campaign - Paul RobertsPaul, 44, from Heywood

"After being made redundant from an engineering firm I was looking for a change of direction. Training courses gave me new customer service skills and I got a qualification as well as a new job."

Skills campaign - Kealey AtkinsonKealey, 21, from Rochdale

"I'm studying business administration at college and work for a car dealership alongside my learning. The extra skills helped me get back into work."

Skills campaign - Hannan MiahHannan, 40, from Rochdale

"Voluntary work and a six-week training course through a children’s charity helped me achieve my dream of working with young people."

Skills campaign - Claire AthertonClaire, 27, from Middleton

"I was struggling to find work to fit around my children. After a spell not working, a training course helped me get a job in admin."

Audio downloads

To download the files to your computer, right-click on the link with your mouse and choose 'Save Target As'.

PodcastHannan
Interview with local resident Hannan Miah about how skills and training helped change his career, and his outlook on life.

PodcastShirley
Shirley Joy from Rochdale talks about how learning computer skills have changed her life.

PodcastKealey
Kealey Atkinson from Rochdale talks about how she combines working with a college course and how skills have helped her get a good start in life.