More than 100 unemployed people in Oldham have accessed free training which has provided their careers with a boost, with hundreds more set to follow suit.

Training provider Realise is delivering fully funded Adult Education Budget (AEB) vocational training to people in Oldham, in conjunction with Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The programmes on offer include functional skills in English and maths, logistics and warehousing, introduction to early years, vocational hairdressing, cleaning, mental health first aid, digital skills, licensed security officer, licensed event steward and employability skills.

Anyone over the age of 19, living in Oldham and not in employment is eligible to sign up for courses.

In total, 128 learners in Oldham have taken the opportunity to boost their skills through Realise's training, with some of those having already entered employment.

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Training takes place at the Earl Business Centre on Dowry Street, Hathershaw, while the training also serves people in Rochdale and Bury.

Dan Goodall, Operations Director for Adult Learning at Realise, said: “These courses exist to help people in Greater Manchester get into employment.

“We have seen fantastic uptake in Oldham across all our AEB courses and we have already seen people secure jobs as a direct result of their new qualifications, including some people who were long-term unemployed. Two people have even joined the Realise team as members of staff.

“We work closely with the local Job Centre to ensure we are meeting the needs of the local economy. We have also successfully forged partnerships with major local employers, including housebuilders, supermarkets and logistics companies, enabling us to understand market needs and link suitable people with appropriate local vacancies.

“It’s very exciting to be making a long-term difference to people’s lives by giving them opportunities to upskill.”

AEB courses are set to serve 519 people in Oldham over the course of the 12-month contract Realise has.

Nationally recognised Level One and Level Two qualifications are available by completing each of the programmes.

Realise is a leading training provider, working with more than 1,000 employers and more than 10,000 learners a year through apprenticeships and adult education courses.