Train Tameside 500

Creating apprenticeship and training opportunities across Tameside

Students in Class

Meet the TT500 teams

Innovation

Supports businesses in Tameside identify growth opportunities, drives innovation and helps navigate operational challenges.

The Innovation team can help your business by developing tailored action plans, facilitating workshops on leadership, productivity and emerging technologies as well as connecting businesses with relevant education and funding opportunities.

Contact: pam.mistry@tameside.ac.uk

Apprenticeships

Supports employers recruit the right apprentices to develop the workforce and meet business needs.

The Apprentice team can deliver the most appropriate apprenticeship programme to support your business. They manage the vacancy and recruitment process and support with training and assessment throughout the apprenticeship. The team will also advise on apprenticeship funding.

Contact: kerri-anne.chadwick@tameside.ac.uk or anna.o'brien@tameside.ac.uk

Work experience, placements and T-levels

Works with employers to develop a programme of placements, experiences and training for college students that help shape the curriculum and the skills of future employees.

The Work Experience team links the college curriculum with employers to enhance the employability skills of future employees.

Contact: debbie.higginbottom@tameside.ac.uk

Innovation workshop
Assistant Principal Carl Shaw introducing the TT500 programme
Productivity session
Our ambassador award for TMBC for providing opportunities under the TT500 programme

Join the TT500 events

2/12/2025
Construction apprentices for employers’ event (TC)
TBC
‘Tameside Means Business’ breakfast meeting (TMBC)
12/2/2026
Apprenticeship recruitment fair (TC)
12/2/2026
CITB Construction event
3 & 5/3/2026
Careers and Employability event (TC)
18/6/2026
Engineering apprentices for employers’ event

Key: TC = Tameside College, TMBC = Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council

Meet the TT500 ambassadors

“Go for it and make it part of your long-term plan.”
Frank O'Sullivan, Tameside MBC
“To see training as an investment, not a cost.”
Kerry Gilham, Diamond Decorators (UK) Ltd.
“The future of your business depends on the skills you develop today.”
Charlotte Yates, Hyde Group Ltd.
“Work closely with local colleges to gain the correct skills for their careers and industry.”
Warren Young, Whitecroft Lighting
“Do it! The investment of time and sharing your own knowledge and skills is rewarded tenfold.”
Sam Duncan, Willow Wood Hospice

TT500 news

Train Tameside 500 initiative given boost by local MPs and employers

Local MPs, councillors and key employers support Tameside College’s Train Tameside 500 initiative in collaboration with Tameside Council to create new training opportunities in the borough.

Train Tameside 500 is a two-year project to encourage employers to sign up a total of 500 apprentices and help meet growing skill demands in all sectors including high demand areas such as construction, engineering, automotive and health and social care.

The campaign was launched during an event in the college’s Restaurant at Tameside One, on Friday 24th October, which was attended by prominent local politicians, including Jonathan Reynolds, MP for Stalybridge, Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton, Councillor Eleanor Wills, leader of Tameside Council and Harry Catterall, chief executive of Tameside Council.

Whitecroft Lighting, Willow Wood Hospice, Diamond Decorators Ltd, Hyde Group and Tameside Council were also in attendance to accept their Train Tameside 500 ambassador certificate from Jonathan Reynolds MP, who congratulated each employer.

Alongside the employer awards, VIPs and employers delivered speeches during the event on the importance of training local young people and the success the scheme is hoping to bring.

“This initiative reflects the best of what we can achieve through partnership, local ambition, national policy, and a shared commitment to opportunity.”
Jonathan Reynolds - MP

If you’re an employer that would like to get involved with the Train Tameside 500 initiative, INSERT TT500 LINK.

TT500 awards presentation
MP of Ashton-Under-Lyne emphasises importance of the TT500 programme.
Speakers at TT500 launch
A succesful launch event with good networking to provide future learners with great opportunities.