More than 30 pupils from secondary schools across Rochdale have taken part in a careers skills workshop as part of the M and G Skills for Life programme, which has returned for its third year during National Apprenticeship Week 2026.
The initiative is funded by M and G plc and delivered by national education charity The Talent Foundry. It is designed to help young people better understand local career pathways and develop key workplace skills.
Seven Rochdale secondary schools were represented at the latest session. They included Wardle Academy, St Cuthberts RC High School, Hollingworth Academy, Newhouse Academy, Cardinal Langley, Kingsway Park High School and Oulder Hill Leadership Academy.
The event took place at Rochdale Training and was supported by seven volunteers from local businesses including H Bell and Sons, First Bus, Go North West, Bayman Atkinson Smythe Ltd and Rochdale Council.
Pupils took part in team building exercises, explored their personal strengths and goals, and gained hands on experience in the centre’s engineering facilities alongside current apprentices.
Feedback from students suggested growing confidence over the course of the day.
One pupil said, “One thing I’ve realised I am better at than I thought is communicating with people from other schools.”
Other responses included “Talking to people.”, “Speaking to new people and having a go.”, “Doing things when nervous.”, “Getting to know people.” and “Practical tasks.”
Rachel Yates, chief executive designate at Rochdale Training, said: “We’re proud to support this programme for a third year and to welcome local students into our training centre during National Apprenticeship Week.
“Career pathways aren’t always clear to young people, so giving them practical, hands-on experiences alongside employer insight is incredibly powerful. We hope this experience inspires some of them to consider apprenticeships as a real and exciting next step.”
Jenni Anderson, chief executive at The Talent Foundry, added: “We’re delighted to continue working with M&G plc and Rochdale employers to create meaningful opportunities for young people. Programmes like Skills for Life help students build confidence, develop essential skills and broaden their horizons.”
The programme includes four workshops across the academic year, with the latest session marking the third. Organisers say the aim is to equip young people with greater awareness of apprenticeship routes and the confidence to pursue them.
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