Seventy employers have backed an Oldham College campaign to create new apprenticeship opportunities for young people

The 100 Apprenticeships in 100 Days campaign, launched by the College in partnership with Oldham Council in May, has exceeded its target of securing 100 opportunities for young people aged 16 to 24. 

Opportunities have been pledged across a wide range of sectors, including digital, education, construction, accounting, business administration, horticulture and care. 

Young people have already been recruited and started apprenticeships as a result of the campaign. 

Among the organisations pledging multiple apprenticeships were Oldham Council, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO), Halton Council, Guiding Light Childcare and St George’s Care. 

The campaign was launched at a key point in the year, as young people prepared to leave school and college and make decisions about their next steps. 

As well as creating routes for young people to earn, learn and begin their careers, the campaign has helped employers recruit new talent and develop the skills they need for the future. 

Oldham College supports around 800 apprentices each year, partnering with employers across Oldham and the wider area to recruit and train apprentices across a range of sectors. 

Lisa Liddy, Assistant Principal- Apprenticeship and Skills at Oldham College, said: “Reaching more than 100 apprenticeship opportunities in 100 days is a fantastic result, and I want to thank every employer that got behind the campaign. 

“The real success is what those opportunities mean for young people. It’s a chance to get into work, learn new skills and start building their careers. 

“We’ve had 70 employers come forward, which shows just how much support there is for apprenticeships and for developing new talent. 

“We’re not stopping at 100. We’ll keep working with employers to create more opportunities and make sure local young people have the skills businesses need.” 

James Kington, Director of Growth at Oldham Council, said: “This is a great result and shows what can happen when employers, Oldham College and the Council work together. 

“Apprenticeships give young people a route into work and the chance to build their skills, while helping businesses develop the workforce they need. 

“We want more young people to be able to build their careers locally and more businesses to have access to the skills they need. This campaign has helped us do both.” 

The end of the 100-day campaign will not mark the end of the drive to create more apprenticeships. 

Oldham College is continuing to expand its apprenticeship offer in response to the needs of employers and local industries. 

Seven new apprenticeship programmes are being launched this week in areas including gas engineering, electrical installation, property maintenance, education, early years and oral health. 

The College is also introducing Foundation Apprenticeships. These are entry-level apprenticeships aimed mainly at young people aged 16 to 21, with no previous qualifications or experience required. They provide training and experience across a broad occupational area and can lead to employment or a more specialised apprenticeship. 

The College’s Apprenticeships team will continue to work with businesses looking to recruit, providing support with vacancies, finding candidates, onboarding, training and funding. 

Employers interested in finding out more about apprenticeships and the support available can visit Oldham College’s Take on an Apprentice webpage.