Train to Gain

Train to Gain is designed to help businesses of all types and sizes get the training they need to succeed. Training at Hopwood is part of Hopwood Hall College. The team will work closely with individual businesses to:

Identify the skills the business needs
Pinpoint the right training
Agree a tailored training package
Find available funding
Review progress

We offer a flexible portfolio of funded and unfunded courses. Amongst the most popular vocational qualifications are NVQ’s. NVQs are qualifications which demonstrate ability at work. The training is mainly on the job and NVQ assessment recognises an individual's performance at work with a nationally recognised qualification.

They are available to all ages, at any career stage and no previous qualifications are necessary. As the skills are assessed through work-based evidence, there are no 'end of unit' tests or exams. Certification is based purely on evidence of the skills.

An NVQ comprises several units which can be tailored to reflect the job that an employee is carrying out and the skills they need to perform. Each unit is made up of a number of national occupational standards that cover all the main aspects of a job.

Train to Gain Sectors

What's Your Role?

What do you need to do as an employer?

How Will We Work With You?

The process of making sure your staff get the training they require.

Why Train Your Staff With Us?

How we can help your staff fulfil their potential.

What can Train to Gain do for you?

Training at Hopwood will provide you with a completely impartial, independent skills assessment to identify what skills your business needs (now and in the future). Training at Hopwood works to, and above, national standards and can provide advice on a wide range of training and business development needs.

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.”