Success Stories

Renold Gears based in Milnrow is celebrating the success of a diverse workforce through Apprenticeships. The team  innovates in delivering the highest precision-engineered power transmission products to all industries worldwide. Their market-leading products can be seen in diverse applications from cement making to chocolate manufacturing, subway trains to power stations, escalators to quarries; in fact, anywhere something needs to be lifted, moved, rotated, or conveyed. 

New Apprentice, Elspeth is currently completing a Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship following a structured learning programme to learn the skills, knowledge, and behaviours that she needs to be a successful Engineer. After completing her Level 2 qualification Elspeth will be moving on to her Level 3 before hoping to complete her HNC/HND qualification. 

Elspeth said “I enjoy my Apprenticeship as it’s a hands-on learning environment with a focus on practical skills I need to succeed in the engineering industry. An Apprenticeship works for me, as I get paid to learn and spend my time between Rochdale Training and Renold Gears”. 

Nathan Finn, Recruitment Officer of Rochdale Training said “Elspeth, started her journey via Rochdale Training by attending an open evening and registering her interest in a career in Engineering. Throughout Year 11 Elspeth stayed in contact with us and we knew she would make a great addition to any company that she went out to interview for. Engineering Apprenticeship qualifications are delivered in a number of different ways here at Rochdale Training depending on how the employer wants their Apprentice to learn”.  

Pictured: Elspeth Cunliffe, current Rochdale Training Apprentice, employed by Renold Gears.  

Rachel Yates, Engineering Manager of Rochdale Training said “Elspeth is making excellent progress. She has a keen eye for detail and is full of enthusiasm. Elspeth is enjoying the challenge that an engineering career can bring and we all believe that she has an exciting future ahead of her.” 

Nathan Finn, Recruitment Officer of Rochdale Training said “Rochdale Training has a long-established relationship with Renold Gears and continues to work in partnership to support their Business with Apprentices. Renold Gears will be taking on new Apprentices on September 23, so register your interest now. For more information on how to apply call 01706 631 417 or email nfinn@rochdaletraining.co.uk”   

Established in 1964, Dunphy Combustion is family owned and managed. The company designs manufactures, installs, and maintains a wide range of combustion equipment, digital control solutions, and turnkey prefabricated, packaged boiler houses. Their products and services are exported worldwide and the company has won several of the Queen's Awards for Export and Innovation. Their engineers have extensive international experience with fossil and biofuel applications for heat and steam generation, CHP systems, district heating, waste-to-energy, and wastewater treatment processes. 
 
The central manufacturing complex in Rochdale comprises three main buildings that house production, research and development, and equipment and fuel testing departments. Dunphy Combustion currently has four Apprentices based across the business, all completing their four-year Apprenticeship Programme.  

Curtis started his Journey with Rochdale Training on our eight-week Apprenticeship Academy programme, which is designed to support learners with the transition from Education to Full-time Employment. The course covers key employment skills and allows candidates to complete a works trial with a company, before moving on to an Apprenticeship qualification.  

Georgina Farrell, Lead Tutor for the Apprentice Academy said “We are extremely proud of the education and support we provide at Rochdale Training. Our priority is to provide the best possible education for our learners, ensuring that each individual is given the support and encouragement they need to achieve their goals. We care for each and every individual who passes through our hands and we hold the highest aspirations for them all. We believe that every learner has unique talents to bring to our community. Curtis has done incredibly well on the Apprenticeship Academy programme and was a delight to teach.”  

Now that Curtis has graduated from the Apprentice Academy programme, he has started his Level 3 Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship and looks forward to continuing to learn the skills, knowledge, and behaviours that he needs to be a successful Engineer with Dunphy Combustion.   

Curtis said “I had a brilliant time and learned some lifelong skills while on the Apprenticeship Academy programme. I’m now looking forward to starting a lifelong career in Engineering with Dunphy Combustion. I’m thankful for the help and support I’ve received from the team at Rochdale Training, and would recommend the Apprenticeship Academy programme to get started in your dream career”  

Nathan Finn, Recruitment Officer of Rochdale Training said “Rochdale Training has established a relationship with some of the best Engineering Employers across Greater Manchester over the last 60 years. We offer help and support to candidates who wish to apply for Apprenticeships, now or in the future. For more information on how to apply call 01706 631 417 or email nfinn@rochdaletraining.co.uk”   

Lynden spent some time in our Engineering centre where he worked on practical skills and health and safety knowledge before moving on to a work trial with a local Engineering company. Lynden said he enjoyed learning about different welding techniques he especially enjoys MIG (Metal into Gas) Welding and feels as though he has been thoroughly supported by his tutors and feels that they really care about his progress. His tutors kept him up to date with what he would be doing on a day-to-day basis, this was especially beneficial for Lynden as he needs a strict routine due to his Autism Spectrum Disorder but felt like he had been kept well informed. Lynden would recommend the Apprentice Academy and the Training Centre to everyone as we have exceeded his expectations due to the support and warm welcome he received from all the other Engineering learners. Lynden has made lots of friends with the other people on the course, they have a lot of laughs and jokes together while getting their work done which makes him extremely happy.

Ikram Irfam joined Rochdale AFC Community trust in the summer of 2021, as part of a traineeship delivered by Rochdale Training. Ikram got stuck into various tasks, working in the office, supporting Soccer School delivery and the Military Veterans charity fixture. Upon completion of his traineeship with training provider Rochdale Training, Ikram was offered the chance to work full-time for the charity through the Government’s Kickstart Programme, supported by the EFL Trust. Ryan Bradley, Community Director said “Ikram has so much potential. He fits into our team perfectly and is always keen to learn. People often comment about the young man in the suit in our office, he’s the first point of contact for many of our customers and works to support all of our staff across all of our programmes. Ikram said, “When I left school I never thought I’d end up working at the football club. I’m glad I did the traineeship with Rochdale Training, and the Kickstart programme helped me decide on what I want to do going forward. I’m looking forward to learning more about Business Administration, design, photography and marketing skills as well.”

Bola started with us on a Traineeship in partnership with GMCA to support BAME candidates into education, employment, and training. It was identified that there was a very low number of BAME candidates aged between 16 to 24 who progressed into a job within the Engineering & Manufacturing sector. Bola started with us and while on programme worked on employability skills focusing on how best to represent himself while at interviews and worked on his practical skills in our Engineering workshop. While on his work experience block ‘Bola’ secured one of our most sought-after engineering companies when he proved himself to be a valuable member of the team because of his get up and go attitude and behaviours. Bola is now on a full-time Apprenticeship with JLG. Bola said “I really enjoyed my traineeship, it was quick and efficient to apply and I am now in my dream job with JLG. I would recommend Rochdale Training to anybody looking to start an Apprenticeship!

Zach is starting his new Apprenticeship as a Teaching Assistant in September. Zach decided to choose an Apprenticeship for the start of his Teaching Assistant career as he felt like this was an option that he could rely on to provide the training and qualifications he needed in a learning style that suited him. He also felt like earning while he was learning would benefit him as he could keep a social life while studying. Some of the Key Skills Zach is looking forward to developing are how to act professionally, teach and advise in an educational environment and his organisational skills.

Zach would recommend Apprenticeships to other people and has already started doing so through the positive experience he is already having, he feels like Rochdale Training has supported him even though he has spent a short time with us so far but he feels comfortable and as though he is settling in well.

Lucas is starting his Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship in September with Rochdale Council. Lucas decided that an Apprenticeship was the best choice for him after tried completing his A-Levels but didn’t feel it was the best fit for him, he felt that he would learn better through practice and actively doing the job and getting relevant experience in real-life situations. Some of the Key Skills Lucas is hoping to learn include Safeguarding, teaching, care and support skills but also communication and problem-solving skills.

Lucas felt as though his process in getting his Apprenticeship was super easy and that he had Rochdale Training’s support throughout the whole recruitment process, with quick replies to emails containing queries or questions and feels like he’s been treated exceptionally well.

Charlotte is starting her new Apprenticeship in September as a Business Support Apprentice. In her new job role, she will support the Chief Executive of Rochdale Council, she will be learning administrative skills, ensuring day-to-day Council life runs as smoothly as possible. Charlotte chose an Apprenticeship because she believes they are a great way to learn new skills whilst being paid to learn.

Some of the key skills Charlotte is eager to learn during her new Apprenticeship include organisation, open-mindedness, on-the-job learning and self-confidence. She would recommend an Apprenticeship to other people as they are a great way to start a career with full support along the way and possible progression routes. Charlotte feels like Rochdale Training has met her expectations throughout the recruitment process and described our team as “really helpful” and has “expressed their full support wherever necessary.”.

Tegan Rothwell moved back to the country following living in Poland for one year, where she struggled to integrate. Upon return to England Tegan decided she wanted to re-train to specialise in Childcare. Following an interview with our recruitment team, it was identified that Tegan would need some support with employability skills before moving forward with Apprenticeship interviews. Tutor Georgina said "while on the Apprentice Academy programme Tegan's communication skills have developed significantly. Tegan has recently been offered and started her Childcare Apprenticeship following her dream career.

Job Title: PA to the CEO / School Business Professional Tutor

Apprenticeship: Business Admin Level 2, Business Admin Level 3, Business Admin Level 4

Lucy started her Apprenticeship at Bamford Academy, completing Business Administration Level 2, 3 & 4. While at the school she covered all the basics for administration e.g., communicating on the phone, ensuring the correct registers were completed, and dealing with parents. Following on from her first year, she progressed onto dealing with finance systems for the school, started as an events' coordinator, and taking minutes in the governor meetings. Finally, in her last year, she progressed further to become the office manager dealing with the payroll for the Academy. Following on from completing her level 4 she heard about an opportunity at RTA and decided she wanted to progress further as a Tutor in the subject she feels very passionate about. She ideally wants to get younger people into School Business Professional roles in the future. For the last year Lucy has completed a dual role at RTA as the PA to our Chief Exec and a Tutor.

Lucy chose a Business Admin Apprenticeship because she knew Administration was a good steppingstone, with lots of transferable skills and progression, opening the door to many opportunities. Throughout her Apprenticeship Lucy learnt all aspects of working in an office environment. Without progressing through the different Apprenticeship qualifications, she believes she would not have the required skills to do her current job tutoring the next generation of Apprentices. She feels that the Apprenticeship helped with her anxiety, making her more comfortable in the workplace, also allowing her more to become more independent and knowledgeable. Lucy feels like an Apprenticeship was the best decision she ever made and would recommend it to anyone else because it has changed her life completely.