Our Partners

City in the Community (Manchester City)

Oldham College works with a number of leading organisations including the British Esports Federation, Manchester City Esports, Manchester City in the Community, and Williams F1, with all curriculum designed collaboratively through their direct involvement. As part of the planning process, tutors and leaders took part in multiple residential visits to the British Esports Campus alongside Manchester City partners, where discussions focused on qualification delivery, best practice, unit selection, personal development opportunities (trips, visits, masterclasses), work experience – including an international placement in South Korea – arena design and layout, hardware/software requirements, and growth targets.

“This collaboration between City in the Community, Oldham College and Manchester City Esports has been an incredible experience for everyone involved. Seeing Isaac and Rio featured across the club’s global platforms is a testament to their hard work and passion. The opportunity for them to spend time with Manchester City players, engage in meaningful conversations and gain insight into the world-class professionals has been truly inspiring. This partnership is a fantastic example of how education and sport can work together to create transformative experiences.”

Oliver Gilbert, Education Officer at City in the Community

First Choice Homes Oldham

First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) and Oldham College have built a strong and collaborative partnership focused on developing local talent, supporting skills growth, and creating meaningful career pathways for people in Oldham. Our intent is to continue to strengthen and deliver tangible benefits for both learners and our organisations.

We work in an area where there is increasing economic inactivity, some of the most deprived communities in England, and embedded inequalities. Our organisations have different purposes but a shared goal of making a difference to the communities we serve.

First Choice Homes Oldham work with the College across a range of areas, including:

• Providing apprenticeship opportunities in housing and trades. We are developing apprenticeships in business admin, and digital roles.
• Supporting curriculum development to ensure training aligns with real sector needs and employability skills. The professionalisation of the Housing sector will be achieved by a bespoke curriculum with Oldham College.
• Hosting student placements and work experience, giving learners practical, hands-on insight into the housing and community sector.
• Engaging in joint initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and social mobility across the borough.
• Promoting the college, the work it does and the difference it makes with customers.

“For our customers, our communities and our staff, Oldham College is one of the most important strategic partners we are proud to collaborate with. This collaboration has helped us to attract, train, and retain motivated people from the local community, while also enabling learners to gain confidence, qualifications, and experience that lead to sustainable careers. Looking ahead, we aim to deepen this partnership further by expanding opportunities in areas such as green skills, customer excellence, and leadership development. We see our joint work with Oldham College as a vital part of our commitment to investing in people, supporting Oldham’s economic growth, and strengthening our shared community. FCHO values Oldham College as a trusted partner that understands our business, responds proactively to local needs, and shares our commitment to creating positive, long-term outcomes for residents and learners. We are proud of what we have achieved together so far and confident that this partnership will continue to make a real difference to skills, employment, and opportunity in Oldham.”

Mark Gifford OBE, Chief Executive Officer at First Choice Homes Oldham

NHS Greater Manchester

Oldham College became the first in Greater Manchester to secure midwifery industry placements through the Northern Care Alliance (NCA) NHS Foundation Trust’s Cadet Programme.

This innovative partnership between Oldham College and the NCA offers learners spring observation placements, followed by a full 10-week placement in their second year. It forms part of a wider initiative, supported by NHS Greater Manchester, the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and GMCA, to expand T Level placement opportunities across the health and care system.

“We are thrilled that learners will now have the opportunity to undertake maternity placements for the first time in Greater Manchester at college level. This is providing the health and care system with a new and exciting opportunity to grow the workforce pipeline.”

Sue Howard, Head of Workforce Development at NHS Greater Manchester

Oldham Business Network

Oldham College is proud to be a strategic partner of the Oldham Business Network (OBN), working together to connect education and industry across the borough. Through this partnership, Oldham College engages with a diverse network of local businesses to support skills development, apprenticeship growth, workforce planning and economic prosperity.

By collaborating with OBN, the College creates valuable opportunities for learners, strengthens employer partnerships and ensures its curriculum remains aligned to the needs of local industry. Together, we are helping to develop local talent, support business growth and position Oldham as a thriving place to live, learn and work.

“Oldham College are an invaluable partner to the Oldham Business Network. They work closely with us and together we’ve worked hard to connect education and business. What I love most is their willingness to be flexible, where they can, to achieve the goal. They always come at things with a positive can do attitude and open mind. Their commitment to developing local talent, supporting employers and responding to the needs of the local economy has helped create meaningful opportunities for both businesses and learners across Oldham.”

Ian Taylor, Founder, The Oldham Business Network

Oldham Council

Oldham College is proud to work in partnership with Oldham Council to support the borough’s skills, employment and economic growth ambitions. Together, we are committed to creating opportunities for local people by connecting skills development with employment pathways, ensuring residents can access the training, qualifications and support needed to secure sustainable careers.

Through our collaboration on the Employer Skills Strategy, Oldham College and Oldham Council work closely with employers to identify workforce needs, address skills gaps and develop talent that supports both business growth and the local economy. We have also successfully partnered on initiatives such as the 100 Apprenticeships in 100 Days Campaign, helping to raise the profile of apprenticeships, create new opportunities for local residents and encourage employers to invest in future talent.

By aligning education, skills and employment priorities, our partnership continues to support inclusive growth, strengthen workforce development and improve opportunities for communities across Oldham.

“Oldham College is a valued strategic partner in delivering Oldham’s ambition to create a thriving, skilled and inclusive economy. Through our joint work on the Employer Skills Strategy and initiatives such as the 100 Apprenticeships in 100 Days Campaign, we have successfully connected employers, learners and employment opportunities, helping to develop local talent and support residents to access sustainable careers. Together, we are making a real difference to individuals, businesses and the future prosperity of the borough.”

James Kington, Director of Growth at Oldham Council

Personal Home Care Services

Personal Home Care Services Ltd, an award-winning company supporting adults with a range of needs, including dementia, physical disabilities and mental health conditions, is one of several employers working closely with the College’s Innovation Hub since its launch in November 2024.

Personal Home Care is run by owner Iffat Parveen, with support from Nawaz Ahmad, who helps manage the business. Together, they have attended every Innovation Hub event to date. They say the experience has helped them create new partnerships, trial innovative ideas and engage directly with local students through T Level placements.

“Working alongside T Level students from Oldham College has been a fantastic experience, not only have these students supported our team with real, hands-on contributions, but they’ve also benefited from genuine work experience that prepares them for their future careers. It’s a win-win for both parties, and we’re proud to support the next generation of talent.”

Nawaz Ahmad, Personal Home Care Services

Rowan Ashworth

The College has a strong partnership with Rowan Ashworth (RAL), providing valuable work placements for our construction students.

In addition, our Graphic Design students and Marketing students have led on the company’s rebrand, giving them a real-world opportunity to apply their skills in a live project. RAL directors Zack and Anthony invited our students to play a central role in shaping their new identity, providing a fantastic opportunity for real-world collaboration.

Following initial planning and engagement with the company, our Graphic Design students developed and presented creative concepts, working closely with RAL to produce a final brand identity. The completed designs will now be showcased across staff uniforms, banners at RAL sites, and the company’s website, giving our students’ work visibility across Oldham and beyond.

This collaboration highlights the talent of our learners while providing invaluable hands-on experience. Working on a live brief with real outcomes has helped prepare students for their future careers and strengthens their readiness for employment.

We are extremely proud of what has been achieved through this partnership and look forward to creating more opportunities like this in the future.

“At Rowan Ashworth Ltd, we’re passionate about nurturing the next generation of talent. Our partnership with Oldham College opens doors for students through T Level placements, hands-on experience in the Innovation Hub, and unique opportunities to learn directly from industry. Together, we’re giving young people the skills, confidence, and inspiration they need to build bright futures. We can’t wait to see how this partnership continues to grow.’’