College bids to boost skills

A COLLEGE has hosted a conference to help boost skills and employment prospects for young people.

The conference, organised by the Hopwood Hall College’s Apprenticeship team, forged new partnerships with employers to create a 21st century industry-led curriculum to develop Rochdale’s next generation of skilled employees.

The event provided a rare opportunity for key influencers to plan together local solutions for the crisis in skills shortages with both medium to large employers and politicians attending.

Principal Derek O’Toole praised attendees including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, at the ‘important’ event.

He said: “I’d like to thank all of the employers who have come, along with our guest speakers who have provided some great insight into how we can all develop as one community. We feel it is important to drive change and work with employers to ensure we offer a relevant curriculum for their needs and it’s been really encouraging to see so many industry leaders want to be a part of that conversation and plan for change. Also speaking at the event was Rochdale MP, Tony Lloyd and Middleton MP, Liz McInnes.

Along with a host of key industry influencers, they addressed over 60 of the area’s largest employers including RRG Group, JD Sports, The Guinness Partnership, William Hare, British Gypsum and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing. Mr O’Toole added: “To have Tony Lloyd, Liz McInnes and Andy Burnham in one room discussing these topics is a unique opportunity and it’s been a really positive experience having the three of them here.” Mr Burnham, praised the skills pledges made by Hopwood Hall College and local employers at the College’s Shape the Future of Skills conference.

At the end of the event, employers signed pledges to work with Hopwood Hall College on developing courses to ensure that Rochdale’s young people are given the best curriculum offering, work experience and apprenticeships.