The Growth Company Reflects on 25 Years of GMLPN
The Growth Company (GC) has been a member of the Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network (GMLPN) from the early stages of the Network, playing a long-standing role in shaping the region’s skills landscape. Joining the Network provided GC with an opportunity to collaborate with other training providers, colleges, and stakeholders to strengthen skills provision across Greater Manchester.
From the start, GMLPN has acted as a hub for knowledge-sharing and partnership, bringing together providers with a shared ambition: to support learners, meet employer needs, and respond proactively to changes in policy and funding. For the Growth Company, this collaboration has been invaluable, keeping the organisation connected to the key conversations shaping the skills sector.
Jon-Paul Rimington, Managing Director of the Growth Company, reflects on the impact of the Network:
“Being part of GMLPN has allowed us to stay at the forefront of conversations shaping skills in Greater Manchester. It has given us the opportunity to work alongside other providers, hear directly from policymakers, and contribute to discussions that benefit both learners and employers. Personally, serving on the advisory board has been incredibly rewarding. Surrounded by expertise, we’ve been able to tackle challenges together, advise the wider network of upcoming changes in the skills landscape, and lobby for change across all funding streams, while ensuring that the region’s skills provision continues to evolve to meet changing needs.”
Over the past 25 years, the skills sector has undergone significant change. Funding models, policy priorities, and expectations for providers have evolved, while apprenticeships and technical training have grown in focus. Throughout, GMLPN has acted as a vital link, helping providers navigate these changes and focus on delivering high-quality education.
The Growth Company has seen the impact of these developments firsthand. GC supports young people entering the workforce, adults retraining, and those furthest from employment to gain skills, confidence, and progression opportunities. More recently, the focus has sharpened on creating clear pathways into employment, ensuring learners overcome barriers and access meaningful opportunities.
Looking ahead, the Growth Company believes a strong, place-based approach will be essential to the future of skills in Greater Manchester. By working closely with local authorities, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, employers, and other providers, the region can ensure the skills system meets economic needs while creating real opportunities for local people.
As GMLPN celebrates its 25th anniversary, the Growth Company reflects on the Network’s role in connecting providers, supporting learners, and driving skills development across the region, and remains proud to be a sponsor of the Greater Manchester Skills Awards as part of its ongoing commitment to local talent.
