Army Careers Office now has a weekly base at Number One Riverside

The Army Careers Office now has a staffed desk on the ground floor of Number One Riverside providing help and advice about joining the Army.

From 11am to 3pm every Thursday Recruitment Officers provide face-to-face careers advice together with information around eligibility, terms, payment and other common questions from potential recruits.

As well as their presence on the ground floor, they have a private meeting room when required – and no appointments are necessary.

This year there are 9,500 full time and 6,000 part time vacancies, and although 15 to 24 year olds are the most common applicants, older residents are also are welcome to discuss a potential Army career.

Corporal Cunningham said the move makes it much more convenient for local people: “Three years ago our office in Rochdale closed, so it’s good to be back. Regular and part time soldiers staff the desk so it’s a chance to find out what Army life is like. It’s great that the council are supporting us by letting us use the facilities here, another example of joint working for the benefit of local people. You can ask us anything about Army life, such as training, career opportunities, travel prospects and pay. We’ll tell you about the whole variety of roles available. There’s a huge range to choose from including chefs, tank crewmen, nurses, vehicle mechanics and electricians. We’ll help you find the one that suits you best, and to make the biggest decision of all – whether life in the Army is right for you.”

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Lead Member for the Armed Forces at Rochdale Borough Council also welcomed the move: “Previously you would have had to travel to Bolton or Manchester to visit the Army Careers Information Office to get this kind of advice face to face, so it’s great to see this service return to the town centre in Rochdale every week. Across the road from the Metrolink stop and the Interchange, it’s easy to get to.”