Training and skills
We provide support through a number of innovative projects designed to boost your employment skills or help your business grow. Finding what works best for you can be difficult, so we are here to guide and advise you throughout your journey.
What can we offer you?
- We can connect employers and businesses with young people and adults looking for work and learning opportunities.
- We can help you join up with training providers and projects to boost your own or your employees' skills.
- We can signpost you to Greater Manchester agencies and partners who can provide funded training and skills to support your business.
To talk to one of the team:
Phone: 0161 342 3111
Email: employmentandskills@tameside.gov.uk.
GM Business Growth Hub’s GM Skills Map:
Did you know that you could be eligible for fully funded training? With GM Skills Map from the GM Business Growth Hub these opportunities are easy to find on one free and simple website.
GM Skills Map can empower workforces and supercharge businesses with thousands of courses, for various skill levels, that will cost you nothing.
If you’re looking to expand your workforce, GM Skills Map can link you with trusted education providers, including local universities and colleges, to connect you with their eager Apprenticeship and T-level students.
And it's not just for businesses. Whether employed or not, you can access the treasure trove of skills without spending a penny. Zero cost and unlimited potential!
Head to Greater Manchester’s comprehensive skills and courses directory to explore the endless possibilities for you and your team!
OPEN SME
Small business, big ambition?
Build the skills to match at OPEN SME
OPEN SME is a free, online business tool created by four Greater Manchester universities, designed to help you address your burning business questions and learn what you need to know at your own pace.
OPEN SME has simple self-assessment tools to help you build on strengths and pinpoint areas for development, with topics that cover:
- Finance: know your numbers to drive smarter decisions
- People: lead and retain a strong team
- Markets and Models: stay ahead of industry shifts
- Digital: strengthen your online presence
- Community: Grow through Greater Manchester's networks and support
Register today and start accessing the course straight away.
Tameside College
Tameside College offers support for both residents and businesses looking to upskill and grow, providing courses and opportunities to help you improve your skills and compete in business.
Students:
School leavers and adults can access a wide range of courses, from academic subjects like maths and English, to vocational training like car mechanics and accounting. It's never too late to improve on the skills you have or learn a new one, and the more confident you are in your abilities the better an employee or business leader you could be.
Businesses:
Tameside College has a dedicated Business Team which provides customised training solutions, short courses and apprenticeships for business in Greater Manchester and the North of England.
Ensuring your employees have the right skills to do the best job boosts your productivity and keeps you ahead of the competition.
Tameside College can help you to:
- Identify the skills your business needs
- Pinpoint the right training
- Agree a tailored training package
- Find available funding
- Review the progress you’re making
Ashton Sixth Form College
Ashton Sixth Form College and the Higher and Adult Education Centre offer courses for students aged 16-19 and adult learners, including A-Levels, BTEC, and university courses. At the college you can get support to continue your learning journey or start a new one, building confidence and gaining skills which will help you into the future.
Be Ambitious Week
During their first year, sixth form students take part in a week of meaningful employer encounters, such as employer-led projects, work placements, or workshops. These are designed to enable them to engage with industry specialists and build key employability skills.
The week offers employers the opportunity to invest in future talent, and raise their profile with a local, young, and diverse workforce.
Businesses can create a brief for students which is beneficial for them both, by helping the student gain important work knowledge and filling a gap for the business. Past projects have consisted of students undertaking local market research or designing a new project idea.
The Growth Company
The Growth Company works with both individuals and businesses across Greater Manchester, providing courses, apprenticeships, and support to help people progress and employers grow.
For Employers:
At the Growth Company, we understand the importance of a skilled, motivated, and engaged workforce in achieving business goals. We work with employers to identify staff development needs and provide tailored solutions, including apprenticeships, courses, and recruitment support.
Our dedicated Account Management Service offers personalised guidance for all training and apprenticeship needs. Account Managers meet regularly with employers to review current learners, discuss business needs, address skills gaps, and share information about new courses and available funding opportunities.
Visit our dedicated employer website here.
Students and Job Seekers
Whether you’re a school leaver planning your next steps, an adult looking to retrain, or someone wanting to boost your career prospects, the Growth Company offers a wide range of opportunities. Our apprenticeships are a great way to start your career or upskill in your current role; apprenticeships are for everyone. We also offer fully funded adult courses, as well as full- and part-time degrees.
Taking the time now to gain new skills or build on the ones you already have can supercharge your confidence, open doors to further study, and pave the way to better job prospects.
Routes to Work
Routes to Work is a supported employment service which can offer advice, support, and practical assistance to Tameside residents with a disability or mental health condition to help them access work or improve their career prospects.
Help is tailored to your needs, and can include support to produce your CV, improve interview skills, or accompany you to interviews. The service is dedicated to finding the right job for the right person, by matching client skills to the employer needs.
Routes to work can also support businesses to promote an inclusive and diverse workforce. This can help to:
- Promote diversity throughout your organization
- Comply with the relevant legislation
- Advise on how to implement reasonable adjustments effectively
- Promote a positive culture of disability within in the workplace
You can find more information here. To make a referral for you or someone else, call TMBC on 0161 342 5200, and request a referral to Routes to Work. Your contact details and the reason for referral will be taken and passed onto the team.
Tameside in Work
Are you on low pay and wanting to upskill to increase your earnings and enable career progression?
Available to all Tameside residents, Tameside in Work is a fantastic service designed to support those already in employment, on low pay, or self-employed, to find new skills and development opportunities. Advice is tailored to your personal needs, skills, and goals by expert trained advisors.
If you're interested in learning more than the team are eager to hear from you! You can find all the information here, or get in contact by emailing tamesideinwork@tameside.gov.uk.