Oldham College Career Guide

Date published: 19 November 2021


Many people have lost work, or their current role and prospects are changing fast, due to the pandemic. 

All industry sectors are now identifying the emerging, job-specific technical skills they need for the future and this trend has led to a radical transformation of the economy. This has also shifted the types of roles and skills many businesses require. 

Oldham College offers a huge range of courses across all areas and sectors designed to suit the needs of adult learners and local businesses. 

These include professional qualifications, vital regulatory courses to ensure skills are up to date and compliant, GCSEs for adults, employability skills, plus English for Speakers of Other Languages. 

There are also pathways to higher education with access courses to develop skills in preparation for starting a degree across a range of sectors including construction, design, digital, education, engineering, finance, health sport, management and administration, social and care services – and many more. 

 “This is about us helping local people ensure that they don’t stand still in their jobs – or get left behind. Our plans are also about helping local businesses to take stock of their staff and upskill them to become bigger or different assets to their operations.  

 “Nobody leaves education at 18 without ever needing to re-skill, it is a reality that you must continue learning and adapting throughout your working life. 

“At Oldham College you can retrain, re-skill or upskill, get new qualifications and the skills you need to get ahead. Whether you want a new career, new skills to progress in your current role, are want to start your own business, or need to upskill your existing staff, Oldham College has a course that’s right for individuals or employers.” 

  A range of funding options is available to support all students over 19 years old. This group could be eligible if in receipt of certain state benefits, for example, or meet the income criteria, have not previously achieved a full Level Two or Three qualification – or if in employment or looking for employment while training. 

Some courses are free for eligible learners. Applications can also be made to the Student Loans Company for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover tuition fees and applications can be made to Oldham College’s bursary to help towards costs, including travel, books and meals. 

Oldham College’s new free Adult Career Guide 2021/22 can be downloaded at Oldham.ac.uk