A PROGRAMME which has helped create thousands of local job and training opportunities over the last seven years has emerged winner of the 2020 Oldham Top Awards.

The Get Oldham Working initiative beat off challengers in the awards - sponsored by furniture components specialist Hill's Panel Products (HPP) - to highlight the dedicated work of public sector staff across the borough.

The awards ceremony at Oldham’s Queen Elizabeth Hall showcased individuals and teams who make a difference to local residents or their work mates.

Get Oldham Working was set up in 2013 to support residents who are struggling to secure employment for many different reasons. Staff from Get Oldham Working won the Team Of The Year award for their services which includes help with skills, career advancement, jobs fairs, traineeships and apprenticeships.

Dan Mounsey, HPP’s marketing manager, attended the ceremony with James Ogborn, from the Get Oldham Working.

Get Oldham Working was set up in 2013 to support residents who are struggling to secure employment for many different reasons. Staff from Get Oldham Working won the Team Of The Year award for their services which includes help with skills, career advancement, jobs fairs, traineeships and apprenticeships.

Dan said: “Judges praised the Get Oldham Working team for continual high performance, exceeding expectations and creating and filling thousands of employment-related opportunities. The team has achieved £2million of additional income and created more than 10,000 employment-related opportunities since its launch, judges said.

“HPP has worked with the Get Oldham Working team across a number of recruitment activities including Oldham Jobs Fair. We let them know about career opportunities at HPP and we have successfully recruited a health-and-safety officer and a sales administrator through this partnership. So, it’s nice to think that HPP has helped play a small part in the team’s overall success.

“We had a great night at the Top Awards and were proud to support this showcase of good work in the public sector. We enjoyed meeting people from many areas of work and congratulate all the winners. Well done to them all.

“As an Oldham-based company employing many local people, we play a vital role in the local economy and the community. So, we are delighted to support great initiatives like this through sponsorship and staff involvement.”