Council officials impressed with college services for unemployed

Councillor Colin Lambert, Tony Foster, Tracy Butler (Tutor), Shaun Donnelly, Elaine Launder. Front row, left to right: Jim Taylor (Chief Executive RMBC), Naseem Massum, Yasmin Kauser

Hopwood College’s BTEC Work Skills course was visited by Councillor Colin Lambert and Rochdale’s Metropolitan Borough Council Chief Executive, Jim Taylor.

The officials were invited to see the learners in action and hear how skills training has improved the confidence and motivation of unemployed people. They were introduced to staff and students, and listened as those on the course told them about the benefits that achieving such a qualification had given them.

The BTEC Level 1 Work Skills qualification is designed to offer learners valuable training and information in how to manage money and how to manage other people’s money.

Karen Humphreys, Contracts Manager for the Unemployed, explained to the guests the importance of positive and pro-active partnership working with the council and their regular contact with the Economic Affairs team, the Skills Team and the Sure Start Centre Teams. This enables Borough residents to receive information at Work Clubs, Sure Start Centres and Community Venues to encourage unemployed customers to up-skill and enhance their job opportunities.

Those on the course told Councillor Lambert and Jim Taylor how they had gained new and skills in relation to money management, how to calculate percentages and learn more about Manchester Credit Union.