Contact

Rochdale Borough Training Services
Hilltop Training Centre
Hilltop Drive
Kirkholt
Rochdale OL11 2EH

Tel: 01706 350444
Fax: 01706 711057
Email: rbts@rochdale.gov.uk

External links

Training and Apprenticeships

Thinking about training?

Why not train with one of Rochdale’s largest providers of Work Based Learning? Rochdale Borough Training Services (RBTS) is part of Rochdale Borough Council and has over 20 years experience in Work Based Learning and is supported by over 300 local employers.

We offer training to both unemployed and employed people and training takes place at the employer’s premises, at one of the RBTS training centres or college. All training programmes are FREE to learners.

What do I get?

Young people receive a wage, or if on E2E, the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) - currently £30 per week, plus up to £160 in achievement bonuses.

We help you get quality training, to enhance your career prospects and help you secure employment with one of our many employers or council partners; you may be about to leave school, just left school/college or looking for employment allied to training and a qualification. Alternatively, you may be in employment with several years’ experience but are looking for a qualification to prove your competency.

Education Maintenance Allowance - Directgov website

What training is on offer?

We offer three main programmes:

  • Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships
  • Train to Gain
  • Entry to Employment (E2E)
Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships

Work Based Learning qualifications for people under 25 who want to get qualified on the job and get paid. RBTS will support and help you achieve an NVQ at levels 2 and 3 and beyond.

Training is available on Apprenticeships and NVQ Programmes in:

  • Accountancy
  • Business administration
  • Childcare
  • Customer service
  • Hairdressing
  • Motor vehicle trades
  • Plus other occupational areas
Training will involve:
  • Employment and training with a local company
  • NVQs up to Level 3 as part of an Apprenticeship 
  • Guidance and support from qualified and experienced Training and Assessment Officers

Apprenticeships are achieved through regular visits by qualified Training and Assessment Officers and periodic in-centre training (day release at college for Motor Vehicle). We help find placements, jobs and Apprenticeships with local employers.

Train to Gain

Aimed at employed people aged 25 or over who want to achieve an NVQ at Level 2 and 3. No cost to the person or employer and achieved through work-based visits by RBTS staff. Training will consist of support and assessment in the workplace with opportunities for attending off-the-job delivery sessions where appropriate. This could include support with Skills for Life qualifications. Training available includes:

  • Administration
  • Caretaking
  • Cleaning
  • Childcare
  • Customer Service
  • Teaching Assistants
eNVQs

RBTS is at the forefront in using the latest IT to enable learners to complete their qualification much quicker with ‘electronic NVQs’. Work can be submitted at any time as this works like online banking. For the employer it means fewer Training Officer visits, less disruption and more frequent progress reports - but a more personalised service for the learner with instant marking of assessments and daily contact with your RBTS Training and Assessment Officer.

Entry to Employment (E2E)

Entry to Employment (E2E) Training is for unemployed people aged 16-18 who want to access employment and work towards an Apprenticeship, a job or Further Education.

The E2E training programme is designed to equip you with the skills you need to develop your career options. The programme is flexible and is designed with you to match your individual needs. We can arrange work experience in a variety of different occupational areas such as administration, construction, retail, engineering and warehousing.

Whilst on the E2E training programme you may be entitled to receive  EMA and assistance with travel costs. You will receive individual support, guidance and training from our qualified and friendly staff, plus there are lots of activities, sports events and day trips.

Learner support

All learners attending Rochdale Borough Training Services’ courses are entitled to a range of learner support. This will include information, advice and guidance, help in planning your learning programme, support with Skills for Life qualifications and provision of equipment where necessary.  There is also support available for travel and childcare costs.

How to apply

To apply for any of our training programmes you can download the RBTS Learner Enquiry Form or you can contact your local Connexions office who will help you complete a referral form.

RBTS Learner Enquiry Form (264kb Word file)