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Oldham College #NAW2021 – What we are doing

Oldham College is showcasing ‘work ready’ learners whose career hopes have been put on hold by COVID-19 to mark National Apprenticeship Week 2021 (February 8-14)

We currently have around 150 fantastic young people itching to start apprenticeships with local employers across a range of sectors – including construction, health and social care, IT, digital, management and many more.

That’s why we are launching our ‘Build The Future’ apprenticeships campaign reaching out to invite local employers to make a pledge and give a young person a chance to launch their career.

If you want to find out more about recruiting an apprentice then please sign our pledge – on the right of this webpage – now and we’ll be in touch ASAP.

This week we will be sharing video case studies each day across all our social media channels to attract local employers. We will also post these on this webpage each day.

These videos feature just a handful of the brilliant local talents whose career hopes have been stalled by the economic impact of the pandemic.

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Why do apprentices matter NOW?

Alun Francis, Oldham College Principal and Chief Executive, says: “National Apprenticeship Week has never been more important than it is in 2021.”

“The pandemic has hit every employer’s bottom line and made apprenticeship placements harder to find. That has unfairly hurt young people and adults seeking apprenticeships – and yet their skills and development are vital to the economic recovery we need to see.

“Apprenticeships are ‘win win’ for everyone. They give students a life-changing opportunity of hands-on experience and theoretical learning to get industry-recognised qualifications and the skills employers really need. They have a hugely positive impact on communities and the local economy and can help businesses adapt and build after a difficult year by providing additional productivity, competitiveness and skills in a cost-effective way.

“Increasing numbers of learners are starting to see college-based and apprenticeship pathways as the best route to high-skilled and fulfilling jobs – and that means we’ll need even more opportunities with local employers.
“Younger generations shouldn’t be disproportionately affected by COVID-19 just as they are starting out, so Oldham College’s team is here and ready to help local businesses every step of the way in recruiting the right person with minimum fuss and maximum benefit.”

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How YOU can help

If you are interested in potentially recruiting any specific candidate you see on our video case studies this week, then please contact Linda Stokes, Employer Engagement and Recruitment Manager, by emailing Linda.Stokes@oldham.ac.uk or calling 0161 785 5450.

Alternatively, please fill in the pledge form on this webpage and we will be in touch ASAP.

We have a talent pool of great candidates from all subject areas – and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Here are the Oldham College apprenticeship contacts for each industry and sector.

Accounting, Digital & Creative, Management, Horticulture

David Morris 
Workforce Development Consultant.
Contact: David.Morris@oldham.ac.uk
0161 785 3585 |
07912 485 448

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Construction

Karen Northend 
Business Advisor.
Contact: Karen.Northend@oldham.ac.uk
0161 785 4052 |
07710 092 607

Hair & Beauty Business & Paralegal, Barbering, Nails, Customer Service

Alison Woodruff 
Business Advisor
Contact: Alison.Woodruff@oldham.ac.uk.
0161 785 4050 | 
07880 291 070

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Early Years and Health

Neil Bradley, 
Business Advisor
Contact: Neil.Bradley@oldham.ac.uk 
0161 785 4060 |
07912 485 450