Employability Pathways

The Employability Project is designed to give people who are unemployed or facing redundancy access to free training courses which will allow them to re-skill or up-skill.

Funding is provided through a new government initiative called "Response to Redundancy". If you are interested in one of the pathways in the following areas, call us on 01706 358490 for more information.

Hospitality & Catering

For those wishing to gain an introduction to Hospitality & Catering. No experience is necessary for this course.

IT - Stage 2

For those wishing to improve their knowledge of IT. This course follows on from the Stage 1 course.

IT - Stage 1

For those wishing to gain a knowledge of information technology who currently have a very limited knowledge of IT.

Office Skills

For those wishing to gain a solid introduction to office skills. A good standard of English will be required.

Train the Trainer

For people who want to deliver teaching and training. Participants will need a good level of English.

Retail - Stages 1 & 2

For poeple wishing to enter the retail industry. No experience is required, but a good level of English is useful.

Introduction to Customer Services

For anyone wishing to work in Customer Services, who have limited or dated experience in customer interaction.

Orchard Skills Centre official opening

Orchard Skills Centre on Drake Street, Rochdale was officially opened on 23rd February, with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting by the Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Keith Swift and Ms Sue Etchells.

Orchard Training Solutions; Hopwood Hall College’s Employer Engagement Arm developed the skills centre after the government launched the Response to Redundancy (R2R) initiative in mid 2009. The aim of the project is to help individuals who are unemployed or at risk of redundancy and make training available so they can broaden their skill range and increase their employability.

The College’s Vice-Principal for Finance & Corporate Services, John Spindler, and the College’s Vice-Principal for Skills, Dr O J Rahim, members of the College executive, local government representatives, partners, tutors and students attended.

The opening provided an opportunity for the many organisations who work with the skills centre to meet and celebrate the successes that the project has enjoyed so far.

Jane McAuley, R2R Project Co-ordinator said: “In just a short space of time since the skills centre opened in early November, we’ve already had learners who have completed training courses, secured job interviews and accepted job offers. In an area of high unemployment like Rochdale, this is a fantastic achievement.”

Siobhan Probert of Syke, a former hairdresser, had been unemployed for several months when she called in to the skills centre to enquire about the training opportunities available. Siobhan said: “The staff at the skills centre were friendly and really helpful. I wanted to get into office work and they put me on the office skills course followed by basic and intermediate IT. I got help updating my CV and was back in employment within 2 months of contacting them. I’d recommend anyone who is in my situation to contact the skills centre.”