New online tool launched for skills development

Janine Smith, Director of GM Business Growth Hub

A new platform has been launched to support Rochdale residents and businesses in accessing vital skills and training. The GM Skills Map, delivered by the GM Business Growth Hub on behalf of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, is now live.

This enhanced online directory features over 1,700 training courses, including 450 apprenticeship programmes, making it the most comprehensive resource of its kind in Greater Manchester. Covering a wide range of sectors, from marketing and finance to IT and green skills, the platform allows users to easily find and compare training opportunities tailored to their needs.

Janine Smith, director of GM Business Growth Hub, praised the platform’s potential, saying: “The enhanced GM Skills Map will revolutionise skills provision in Greater Manchester, empowering businesses and individuals to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. By making informed decisions regarding available skills, businesses can unlock growth, drive, and innovation.”

The GM Skills Map builds on the success of its predecessor, which supported over 20,000 individuals under the Skills for Growth Programme.

Now available across all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester, the platform also includes specialised sections for quick searches in areas like marketing, HR, finance, IT, and leadership, as well as details on apprenticeships and bite-sized courses for busy professionals.

This launch is part of a broader effort by the GM Business Growth Hub to enhance business resources in the region, following the recent introduction of their GenAI Chatbot, which provides round-the-clock answers to business queries. The GM Skills Map is set to be a game-changer for skills development in Rochdale and beyond.

• www.gmskillsmap.co.uk