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.