Local businesses dominate Greater Manchester awards night

Northern Employment Services winner of the Financial and Professional Services Skills for Business Award

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Six of the 21 awards at the Greater Manchester Skills for Business Awards went to businesses and colleges based in the borough.

The Skills for Business Awards is an annual event celebrating the outstanding contribution that skills and learning make to businesses across Greater Manchester.

Northern Employment Services, in association with Rochdale Training
Financial and Professional Services Skills for Business Award

The judges thought this was a worthy winner showing some great examples of how the qualifications obtained are benefitting not only the business but also the employees themselves personally and professionally. Their commitment to their clients is evident, with a 106% growth in volume of temporary workforce for clients 2013-14 to 2014-15. Judges particularly praised the graduation idea and their commitment to WFD.

F Parkinson Ltd
Construction Skills for Business Award

The judges felt this was a very close category to judge but thought Parkinson looks at the broader picture. They thought it was personalised because they have a real commitment to developing the workforce, investing a considerable amount in training in the past 12-18 months. They really seem to look at their employees and their needs, and deliver what they need as individuals, not just as a whole.

Jack Cook, F Parkinson Ltd, in association with Accrington and Rossendale College
Advanced/Higher Apprentice of the Year

Judges were impressed with Jack’s overall achievements - his appointment as an ‘Apprentice Ambassador’ for Skills Solutions; completion of his three year course in joinery; and progression to HNC Level Studies. It is clear that Jack takes his position very seriously, and dedication to his role, and the learning and training that come with it, is unparalleled.

Christopher Burrill, Richard Whittaker Ltd
Learning and Skills Champion

Chris developed a skills matrix for the whole company and developed the training material to fix any gaps identified. This meant 86% of staff underwent training as a result of this matrix. Chris sought help from Bury College when he couldn’t provide the training himself. The judges agreed that this application credits Chris as the reason for growth in overall profit of the business.

LED Hut, in association with Back 2 Work Complete Training
Skills Support for the Workforce – Supporting Progression in Learning

LED Hut used the European Social Fund Skills Support for the Workforce project to get people into work and improve their opportunities for progression. The application looked at the individual’s progression within the business from being unemployed, to completing two qualifications and becoming part of the management team in just 12 months. This demonstrates the added value of SSfW training and reflects the benefits for both the learner and the provider.

Middleton Technology School
School of the Year

What made Middleton stand out to the judges was that this was the only school to highlight maths and English. With 75% of year 11s leaving with 5-10 GCSEs, including maths and English. They also had an apprenticeship rate of 8% in comparison to an average rate of 3%.

Councillor Richard Farnell, Leader of Rochdale Council, said: “This was a fantastic achievement for the winning companies and for the borough as a whole. It really shows that Rochdale is a great place when it comes to building skills, investing in people and creating high-quality, skilled jobs.”