Fresh faces, top talent and community wins as Hopwood Hall College celebrates standout apprentice success

Friday, 3 October 2025 12:09

By David Murphy

Dubbed the ‘Sat Sep Academy’ , the five of them are completing the Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship – seen here (above) alongside their mentors, tutors and Mayor of Rochdale Janet Emsley.

From award wins to job offers, Hopwood Hall College has highlighted a string of apprenticeship success stories as it continues to grow its links with employers across Rochdale and beyond.

The college’s October Business Link bulletin showcases new starters, high achievers and major partnerships, including the launch of Salt Separation’s ‘Sat Sep Academy’, where five new apprentices began Level 2 Engineering Operative training this autumn.

Bethell Group welcomed Subhan Ali onto a Level 3 Construction Apprenticeship, while Leo Cattermole earned a Distinction with H Bell & Sons in Carpentry & Joinery.

Two apprentices – Samuel Chadderton and Joseph Meara, will represent Hopwood Hall in the national WorldSkills UK finals next month.

Recognition has also come in the form of awards. Hopwood’s Apprenticeship Team were named ‘Compliance Team of the Year’ at the 2025 Quality Professional Awards. Meanwhile, Maksym Kokhan and Gerrard Ashcroft took home trophies at the GM Skills Awards for achievements in carpentry and electrical engineering.

Further highlights include:

Four Team Leader apprentices completing training with Danish Crown
IT students James and Thomas landing jobs at Zen Internet
A custom programme with vehicle firm Woodall Nicholson, which now has 13 apprentices in training

Digital Innovation Advisor Billy Gilchrist has also passed a milestone, supporting more than 100 local employers, including Rochdale Development Agency and First Bus, through the GM FE Innovation Programme.

The college continues to expand its offering with new technical qualifications, including a Level 3 Machining Technician pathway and the November launch of a Construction Plant Operative Apprenticeship.

Hopwood Hall’s next Apprenticeship Awards will take place at Norton Grange Hotel on 5 February 2026.

Click Here to download and view the Business Link.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Six arrested as counter terror police widen investigation into Crumpsall synagogue attack

Counter Terrorism Policing has confirmed that six people have now been arrested following a terrorist attack outside a synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, with detectives seeking extended detention warrants as the investigation continues.
Pro-Palestine demonstrators say planned march WILL go ahead this weekend

Pro-Palestine demonstrations will go ahead in Manchester this weekend, according to organisers.
Family of Melvin Cravitz pay tribute to ‘kind and caring man’

Tributes have now been paid to 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz who died during yesterday’s attack at Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue.
Manchester synagogue attacker was on bail for alleged rape, sources have confirmed.

A man who carried out a deadly attack outside a synagogue in Manchester was reportedly on police bail for an alleged rape at the time, though this has not been confirmed by Greater Manchester Police.
Emotional Bev Craig and Andy Burnham speeches call synagogue attack ‘an attack on all of us’

Cheers greeted powerful speeches made by Bev Craig and Andy Burnham at a vigil for the victims of the Crumpsall synagogue terror attack.
Family of Adrian Daulby pay tribute to ‘a down to earth man whose final act was to save others’

Tributes have been paid to 53-year-old Adrian Daulby who died during yesterday’s terrorist incident at Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue.
Tyler Smith returns to Rochdale AFC after five-year absence

Forward signs until end of season as club bolsters attacking options with familiar face
Leaders condemn antisemitic attack on synagogue in Crumpsall

Greater Manchester’s political leaders have issued a joint statement after an antisemitic attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall left worshippers dead and injured.
Springhill Hospice walk raises over £54,000 in Rochdale’s biggest ever charity ramble

Over 600 residents braved torrential rain to support Springhill Hospice and raise a record-breaking £54,363
First Manchester drivers win 20% pay rise as strike is called off but Bee Network walkouts continue

Bus strikes by First Manchester drivers have been called off after an ‘exceptional’ pay deal was secured, but industrial action will continue at Metroline and Stagecoach depots across Greater Manchester.
Worshipper 'shot by police' during terror attack on Crumpsall synagogue GMP confirms

A man killed during a suspected terrorist incident at a synagogue in Crumpsall may have died as a result of a police bullet, Greater Manchester Police has confirmed.
Extra police patrols deployed after synagogue attack sparks community safety concerns

Jewish communities in North Manchester, Bury and Salford to see increased officer presence as police respond to Crumpsall synagogue stabbing