Page 19 - Real Rochdale Issue 15 Autumn 2022

Apprentice Recruitment Starts Here… The Rochdale town centre on the up

Home of Apprenticeships

Rochdale Training is now registering the With progress actively taking place across the town
interest of employers who want the very best centre, Rochdale is definitely a town on the up, with
candidates of 2022. no signs of slowing down.

Every employer who recruits an apprentice will Rochdale’s transformation can be traced back to
be given access to several incentives including; 2011 when exciting plans to regenerate the town
centre were underway. With major projects
• £1,000 grants (16-18-year-olds) www.rochdaletraining.co.uk being brought to fruition – such as the reopening
of the river and the vibrant shopping destination,
• Up to 100% funded training Rochdale Riverside – the town centre continues to
• Access to our Workforce Training Fund Our apprentices and trainees are looking for flourish.
a range of job roles including, engineering,
Hiring an apprentice is a productive and manufacturing, child care, health & social care, Rachel Byrne, centre manager of Rochdale Paul Ambrose, BID manager, said: “It is clear that
effective way to grow talent and develop a business administration, and customer service Riverside, said: “The centre has become a focal the investments made over the last ten or so years
motivated, skilled and qualified workforce. environments. point for residents and visitors; it’s great to see are paying dividends, insofar as footfall is
people socialising, from lunchtime groups to increasing, vacancies have declined and there are
86% of employers said apprenticeships helped The dates of our next drop-in sessions are as families visiting for a bite to eat and to visit the now multiple reasons to visit the town centre.”
them develop skills relevant to their follows - ALL welcome: cinema.
organisation and 78% said apprenticeships • Thurs 29 September 2022 3pm till 6pm What is also apparent is that over the last 10 years
helped them improve productivity. • Tues 8 November 2022 3pm till 6pm “Since opening two years ago, there’s been is the ongoing investment in the public realm with
continuing investment in our facilities and we’ve significant and eye-catching improvements being
welcomed new stores including Deichmann, made within the Baillie Street Quarter which now
Register interest by contacting the marketing team on 01706 631417 or marketing@rochdaletraining.co.uk Dunkin’ Donuts and Nando’s, hosted events benefits from improved lighting, street art and over
including the Artisan Markets and taken part in 50 colourful hanging baskets.
local community initiatives.
Paul added: “This repurposing journey will continue
“As well as being an exciting addition to the town, as over the next 12 or so months Upperbanks,
Rochdale Riverside has led to the creation of more which features a Hilton Hotel and over 240
than 450 jobs which is great for the local economy. apartments, will be completed as will be
By investing in local amenities, people can be proud restoration of the Town Hall and Town Hall Square.
of what Rochdale has to offer.”
“The BID and its partners will continue to lead the
Anchored by M&S, Rochdale Riverside comprises long-term transformation and evolution of the
a mix of popular high street retailers, including town centre with the overall aim being the creation
River Island, Next, H&M, Superdrug, JD Sports, The of community hub designed around health,
Works and Boots, as well as leisure operators like education, culture, housing, leisure, art and crafts,
Reel Cinema, Puttstars mini golf, Bean along with retail.
Coffee, Greggs, Crust and Heavenly Desserts plus
the latest retailer, Europe’s largest shoewear brand “Whilst consumer habits will continue to change,
Deichmann. I am confident that the town centre can now offer
something to everyone.”
Any good town centre knows that retail is only part
of the attraction, balanced by complementary bars, Rachel agreed: “As we look towards the end of the
clubs and restaurants – and the town centre’s food year, we are confident that Rochdale Riverside will
and drink offer continues to gain recognition. continue to be a go-to destination.”

REAL ROCHDALE - AUTUMN 2022 18 19 REAL ROCHDALE - AUTUMN 2022