12th February 2025 Sparking ambitions in National Apprenticeship Week

M&G plc-funded programme inspires Rochdale students for a second year.

A powerful education initiative from national charity The Talent Foundry, aimed at raising aspirations and developing workplace skills among young people in Rochdale is now in its second year, continuing to make a meaningful impact.

The programme, known as M&G Skills for Life, provides students with a series of four interactive workshops designed to boost their career confidence and employability.

The latest session - the second of four - brought together 40 students from five local secondary schools at Rochdale Training on Fishwick Street, giving them the opportunity to engage with professionals from a variety of industries.

This session was delivered by The Talent Foundry and supported by 11 volunteers from local Rochdale businesses, each bringing valuable insights into their respective career paths and industries. Their participation played a key role in helping students understand the diverse employment opportunities available to them in their own community and beyond.

The workshop included exciting team building activities and an exploration of each students’ goals, values and interests. They also had the opportunity to get hands on with Rochdale Training’s engineering facilities, each producing their very own aluminium spinning top toy.

Through hands-on activities and mentorship, the programme continues to break down barriers, ensuring that young people in Rochdale are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to pursue their ambitions.

Mark Whittaker, Marketing Manager at Rochdale Training Association, which hosted the workshop for the second year, said:

"This event was a great opportunity for our local school children to try something different during National Apprenticeship Week. Career options can be confusing for many and the opportunity to explore different careers is essential for our young residents. A big thank you to the employers involved on the day and the schools who took part. Rochdale Training is hoping to see some of the group join our apprenticeship scheme next year."

Jenni Anderson, CEO at The Talent Foundry, added:

"We’re proud to partner with M&G plc and local businesses to create opportunities for young people in Rochdale. This programme is more than just workshops - it's about inspiring confidence, broadening horizons, and providing practical skills that will help students take the next step toward their future careers."

As the programme progresses, students will take part in two further workshops, each designed to deepen their understanding of local career pathways, develop essential workplace skills, and build the confidence needed to take their next steps.

For more information on this initiative, please contact Cate Smith, Head of Programmes and Partnerships at The Talent Foundry on info@talentfoundry.org.uk