FAQs

Why should you employ an apprentice?

Apprenticeships are nationally recognised and supported by the all parties within the Government. The skills equip young and adult people with the practical skills and knowledge they require to fulfil their role within an organisation and ensure they contribute to the success of the organisation. There are also may progression routes from Intermediate to Advanced Apprenticeship Frameworks through to Higher qualifications. Training at Hopwood will assist in the recruitment of your apprenticeship employee and your designated Workskills Advisor will continue to work with your organisation identifying any other training needs required to up skill your workforce.

What are the benefits to me as an employer?

Your employee will have the skills and knowledge required to contribute to the success of your business, improve the productivity of the business. Employers will be involved in all aspects of the framework and encouraged to attend Sector Employer Forum meetings to obtain valuable contacts and up to date sector related information. All employers will have an assigned dedicated Work Force Advisor from Training at Hopwood providing a seamless line of communication.

Can my existing employees access apprenticeship frameworks?

Yes, apprenticeship frameworks are available for existing staff within your organisation and provide learning and development opportunities for up skilling the workforce. Your designated Workforce Advisor will arrange to meet with you to discuss your training requirements.

How much time does an apprenticeship learner attend college?

The College will endeavour to be as flexible as possible to the business needs and to sector requirements. Your designated Work Force Advisor will inform you of the mode of delivery for your sector area.

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.”