Rochdale apprentices are our future
One of the best things about being the MP for Rochdale is I get to see so many great local businesses and so many great young people working for those businesses. Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Jackson & Jackson, one of Rochdale’s leading building companies, to see their apprenticeship programme in action. The company runs a wide-ranging scheme, supported by Lloyds Banking Group, giving young people hands-on experience and formal qualifications across trades, professional services, and technical roles.
Apprenticeships at Jackson & Jackson aren’t just about training — they’re about opportunity, progression, and building a skilled workforce to sustain local businesses for years to come. Managing Director Kieran McDonnell, who himself started out as an apprentice, welcomed the government’s recent decision to ease some English and maths requirements for apprenticeships — a change long called for by small businesses. He is passionate about opening up these opportunities to as many local young people as possible.
Rochdale is fortunate to have excellent further education provision too. Hopwood Hall College and Rochdale Training offer practical, high-quality routes into skilled employment. Combined with employer-led programmes and schemes like the Greater Manchester Levy Matchmaking Service, young people and adults have real options to earn while they learn, retrain, and build meaningful careers. Apprenticeships give independence, the chance to earn their own wages, and the camaraderie of the workplace — experiences that can be just as formative as classroom study.
While many youngsters choose to go to university, it is just as important that those who prefer vocational routes receive the same energy, funding, and recognition. Rochdale’s apprenticeships, from T-levels to construction trades, show that government ambitions to treat vocational and academic paths equally can be a reality — and that they make a tangible difference in young people’s lives. These qualifications are now celebrated alongside A-levels on results day, giving every student the opportunity to shine in the path they have chosen.
Carrie Wilkinson, a joiner apprentice at Jackson & Jackson and winner of Lloyds Banking Group’s SME Apprentice of the Year, perfectly illustrates the impact apprenticeships can have. She came to the trade later than most, showing that these opportunities are for everyone, no matter their age or stage in life. With the government’s Lifelong Learning Entitlement launching in 2027, people of all ages will be able to access funding for higher-level courses and modules at a time that suits them — making lifelong learning a genuine reality.
One complaint I heard was how difficult it is for apprentices to get to work, because many of them want to drive but find the backlog for driving tests too long. We should be looking at how to further cut that waiting time and also how to make it easier for under-25s to use fleet vehicles.
Our local building trades are strong, with many family firms making a real contribution to the economy and our communities. As a town and a region, we should continue to prioritise local procurement, whether as government, regional Greater Manchester authorities, or in Rochdale itself. Supporting these businesses means supporting jobs, apprenticeships, and the local skills base — all vital for our future prosperity.
By combining strong FE provision, innovative employer programmes, and forward-thinking funding models, Rochdale is showing the way in creating real opportunities for young people, supporting local businesses, and helping our town thrive. Apprenticeships are not just a stepping stone — they are a route to independence, a foundation for a career, and a chance for every young person to fulfil their potential.