Mission Christmas:

Winter is drawing in, and cost-of-living pressures are still weighing heavily on families across the UK.
For them, Christmas is a time of stark choices. Choices between heating their homes or buying food. Choices that strip away the magic of Christmas. No child should worry that Santa won't come. Christmas is now a luxury that some families just can’t afford. The cost-of-living crisis has pushed more families into poverty. Our mission is to give disadvantaged children the joy of a gift from Santa. To make Christmas something special for over 270,000* disadvantaged kids across the UK.

At Rochdale Training, we believe in giving back to our community, especially during the festive season. This year, two of our team members, Lisa and Lorna, took part in the Mission Christmas campaign, helping to ensure no child wakes up without a gift on Christmas morning.

Lisa and Lorna worked hard to collect a fantastic range of donations, including toys, books, and treats, all generously provided by our staff and supporters. Their efforts resulted in a wonderful selection of gifts that will bring joy to children in need across the region.

"I am so proud to be part of a team that has contributed so much to this worthy cause." Says Lisa. 

Lorna echoed this and said "really happy to have raised so much and got so many donations for this fantastic cause."

At Rochdale Training, supporting our community is at the heart of what we do, and we couldn’t be prouder of Lisa and Lorna for leading this initiative. Together, we’ve shown that even small actions can make a big difference during the season of giving.

Thank you to everyone who contributed – your generosity has made all the difference!

Are you aged 19+ and interested in starting your career in Teaching?

Then join us at Rochdale Training today!

Gain a qualification and career in Teaching.

This Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools has been designed to give you the skills you need to work with, and support, children, and young people in an educational setting. During your studies you will cover a wide range of areas including communication, development, planning activities, monitoring and more. You will also gain insight into how schools and colleges are structured and operate, health and safety legislation and the importance of safeguarding and child welfare.

By the time you have qualified, you will have gained essential knowledge that will help you support teachers and pupils/students in a variety of environments within the school.

Undertaking this course will build on your practical experience to make you a highly effective teaching assistant (or similar role). It will also serve as a platform for additional study to enhance your skills further. You will be supported throughout your learning by a specialist, dedicated tutor who will mark your assignments and answer any questions relating to the course material.

Course Details:

• Full Training provided
• Gain Accredited Qualifications
• Must be available Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (9:30-14:30)
• Online Sessions (Zoom)

Benefits:

• Achieve a nationally recognised qualification
• Develop knowledge to progress into your chosen career
• One to one support from the tutors and mentor at Rochdale Training
• Benefits will not be affected

Entry Requirements:

• Candidate must be 19+
• Must be Unemployed
• Candidate must live in Rochdale, Bury, Oldham or Tameside
• You must be committed for the full duration of the course
• Photo identification required

Progression:

Upon completion of this course, candidates will be supported to apply for full-time Apprenticeship roles which are available.

Break Down:

• 4 Week duration
• Flexible learning methods
• Tailored to each individual's needs

How to Apply:

For more information relating to the unemployed short courses at Rochdale Training, please get in touch with Jason Wales at 07860919380 or jwales@rochdaletraining.co.uk

Samuel Thornton, 25, from Failsworth, Oldham, has embraced a brighter future thanks to the life-changing support of Rochdale Training. Growing up in a tough area, Samuel faced significant challenges, including dealing with Asperger’s, bullying at school, and difficulties connecting with traditional education.

“I never enjoyed school or college,” Samuel shares. “It didn’t feel like a place where I could do well. Dropping out of college was hard, but I knew I needed to finish my maths and English to move forward.”

With encouragement from his supportive family, Samuel was introduced to Rochdale Training through a recommendation—and everything changed.

“They showed me that there are different ways to learn. Rochdale Training made education feel positive and enjoyable,” he explains. Starting with Entry Level 2 and 3 qualifications through The Growth Company, Samuel is now continuing with maths and English at Rochdale Training and has set his sights on becoming a teaching assistant.

Reflecting on his progress, Samuel says, “Rochdale Training gave me the confidence to believe in myself again. It’s not just about the qualifications—it’s about proving to yourself that you can succeed.”

Samuel’s story is a testament to the power of tailored learning and the difference a supportive environment can make. He hopes to inspire others to seek opportunities that work for their unique needs and to never give up on their ambitions.