FAQs

Is funding available?

Yes. Funding is available through Train to Gain, a government initiative that aims to improve employee skills and help businesses increase productivity in order to stay ahead of the competition.

Orchard Training Solutions offers a wide range of fully funded or subsidised training as part of the Train to Gain scheme, so we are sure to have the right course for your business.

What is Train to Gain?

Train to Gain is a service run by the Learning & Skills Council (LSC). It is based on the extremely successful Employer Training Pilot (ETP) which has been in use since 2003.

How does Train to Gain work?

Train to Gain works by ensuring your employees have the right skills to do the best job. Effective training can help boost your company's productivity and keep you ahead of the competition. Together we can quickly:

Identify the skills your business needs
Pinpoint the right training
Agree a tailored training package
Find available funding
Review the progress you're making

What format do the courses take?

Courses are entirely flexible and designed to meet the requirements of your business. Training programmes can be on-site or off, in a group or in the form of individual face-to-face tuition.

Can the training be tailored to my specific requirements?

Yes. We offer bespoke training packages that can be tailored to your specific business needs. Identifying the correct training package is a combined effort between Orchard and your organisation. This ensures that we can find exactly what training will benefit you the most, and we are able to measure the impact the training is having on your business.

How do you analyse my training needs?

Our Skills Advisors visit your premises, at a time convenient to you, and provide a free, no-obligation consultation to establish your workforce’s training and development needs.

They work with you so you can understand the benefits of the proposed training and how we can help you with the different types of activities involved. We will identify your training requirements and advise you on all workforce development issues.

When are the courses run - can you come to my business?

Yes. Courses are flexible and most can be started on any date you choose. We predominantly deliver training in the workplace, but are happy to adapt for those companies that prefer off-site training.

Do the courses run throughout the year? - Is the college open over the summer?

Yes. The college is open and the courses run throughout the year.

Which other companies do you provide training for?

We provide training to a wide and varied range of companies, in both the public and private sectors.

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.”