New education partnership with global finance business sparking ambitions of young people in Rochdale

Rochdale Training collaborated with the Talent Foundry during National Careers Week

Students from Oulder Hill Academy, Hollingworth Academy, Wardle Academy, St Anne’s Academy and St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School are engaging with mentors from a range of industries as they work their way through activities and tasks designed to help them discover what they are amazing at.

Working alongside schools and local businesses, education charity The Talent Foundry and investments business M&G plc are delivering hands on career workshops and mentoring to Rochdale’s young people, raising aspirations and helping students make positive choices about their futures.

The programme, delivered over three months, in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency takes place at different venues across Rochdale, and was hosted this week at Rochdale Training Association.

Rochdale Training provided several hands-on have-a-go engineering activities for the learners. This included making tabletop spinners and programming machines to create a metal skull. It was a great opportunity for learners to consider something different during National Careers Week.

Comments from students about the programme so far have included: “It's shown me I can do things I never thought I would", "I've most enjoyed talking about what we want to do when we leave high school", and “the best thing has been the things we have learnt from those who have gone through it themselves."

Cate Smith, head of programmes and partnerships at The Talent Foundry said: “We meet incredibly talented young people every day in the projects we deliver across the country, but we know that all too often, young people do not have access to the support networks or skills development opportunities to allow them to discover what they’re amazing at – and this project will help address that.”

Jane Rawnsley, group head of corporate responsibility at M&G plc said: “We have supported The Talent Foundry and the Skills for Life programme for ten years now and it is a programme we are incredibly proud of.

“Despite the heroic efforts of so many teachers and parents across the UK, the pandemic has caused massive disruption in the education and future career prospects of so many young students across the UK and this programme provides a unique insight into the world of work, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed on whichever pathway they choose, be that university, an apprenticeship or employment.”

Mark Whittaker, marketing manager at Rochdale Training Association said: “This event was a great opportunity for our local school children to try something different during National Careers Week. Career options can be confusing for many and the opportunity to explore different careers is essential for our young residents. A big thank you to the employers involved on the day and the schools who took part. Rochdale Training is hoping to see some of the group join our apprenticeship scheme next year.”

The Talent Foundry is keen to hear from local businesses with an interest in supporting the next generation and reaping the benefits of a well-skilled local workforce to take part in the programme. Businesses can contact cate.smith@talentfoundry.org.uk to find out more.