We first joined 25 years ago before I was Chief Executive, following a poor Ofsted result. I remember going to the meetings at the Lancashire Health & Racquets Club with the then CEO. Prior to that – I think we had been more inward looking.
It was brilliant to meet so many like-minded people facing the same challenges and I felt very much “at home”.
For 25 years GMLPN has been championing the impact of high quality vocational and technical education and Rochdale Training is proud to be a part of this. Being a member you are not only very well informed about emerging issues but have the opportunity to discuss them with your peers benefiting from their expertise in a supportive environment. It has influenced policy via lobbying and the spirit of collaboration is so strong within the network.
We have benefitted greatly from the network and so have our learners. Rochdale Training would not be where it is today without GMLPN.
Personally, it has been a privilege to work with such dedicated people with a true passion for the sector and to make a difference to people’s lives. The cheese and onion pie is also great!
When we joined the network it was the time of Apprenticeship Frameworks and Train to Gain. Quality has increased but must remain priority in the light of assessment changes. With the high cost of living and minimal funding increases – it is challenging to run a small Independent Training Provider but the network is very supportive – like ‘therapy at times’!
Rochdale Training has grown through diversification from being an Engineering Apprenticeship provider to offering many different subject sector Apprenticeships, Adult Skills and Study Programmes. Our quality has also increased facilitated by GMLPN’s close partnership with Ofsted, CPD and the Quality Professional Exchange – which Rochdale Training chairs.
Hopes and ambitions for the future of Skills across GM
That Adult Skills training and apprentices are recognised as key in driving the economy.
We are very concerned about our young residents and believe GMLPN can make a difference to these young peoples lives and needs to be given the opportunity to do so.
