New partnership brings employment and training opportunities to Greater Manchester

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The course will blend classroom learning and work experience placements

Picture Your Future in Customer Service is a new 13-week traineeship programme for 16-24 year olds in Rochdale and Oldham, designed to equip young people with the skills and experience they need to get into work.

Over 13 weeks, the course will blend classroom learning and work experience placements. Learners will gain an accredited level 1 qualification in customer service alongside CV and employability skills, and receive support with English and maths.

The programme is to be delivered by the Learning Foundry and social enterprise Upturn and learners will spend time putting new skills into practice through a work placement with local employers, including Oaklands Care Home, The Debt Advice Service, and Yale Housing Association.

At the end of the programme, Picture Your Future learners are given the opportunity of a guaranteed job interview for a sixth month paid role as part of the government’s Kickstart Scheme.

Joanne Abraham, Managing Director of The Learning Foundry, said: “Finding routes into employment is critical for young people across Greater Manchester and the north west right now, as they’re one of the groups most economically impacted by the pandemic.

“I am thrilled to launch our new programmes to help enthusiastic young people into fantastic careers. Almost 75% of our trainees progress to a positive destination, and we’re excited to extend these opportunities into Greater Manchester and make talent shine.”

Maria Williams, Deputy CEO of Upturn, commented: “Our new partnership will combine the best of our commitment to helping people unlock their full potential and The Learning Foundry’s ethos of making talent shine. 

“This is a great new opportunity for 16-24 year olds across Greater Manchester to earn and learn, with the involvement of some fantastic local employers.”

The programme starts on 5 July. 

For more information on enrolment and eligibility, visit www.thelearningfoundry.co.uk/picture-your-future