Skills

Skill up and get behind the scenes

Discover the different kind of jobs you could do, or to hear how people like you got the job or on the course of their dreams. We’ve partnered up with businesses across Greater Manchester to line up free talks, career taster days and experiences, so that you can get behind the scenes at all sorts of workplaces and find out what different industries are really like. We also work closely with GMACS, who can help you find apprenticeships and plan your career. Explore and learn more about the world of work that’s on your doorstep. Only open to members. Not got your pass yet? Sign in or Get Our Pass.

The Apprentice

Unlike the TV series, apprenticeships are a great way for over 16s to learn as they work. They’re real jobs, with the pay and holiday pay to match, but where you also spend at least 20% of your time on training. Plus, you get a qualification at the end of it. There are apprenticeships in almost every industry, from healthcare and tourism to marketing and engineering. Get a taste of real work while you train: head to the GMACS site for more info and listings of apprenticeships that are open right now.

My Journey

Want to hear how someone landed their dream job? Georgia tells us how she ended up as an interior designer at the Manchester-based company, PHAUS, creating the designs for new shops, bars and restaurants. It wasn’t all plain sailing, as we find out: “I did all the usual GCSEs, plus art and design, and ICT. Then I went onto Sixth Form for A Levels, and then to uni to study Early Childhood Studies. I hated it; I knew within the first month it wasn’t right for me. So, I went back to college and did a 3D art and design foundation, and then off the back of that went back to uni properly – doing interior design this time.”

“How did I get my first job? I looked at all the interior design companies I liked, and I just cold called all of them, to see if I could get anywhere. PHAUS were the first to offer me something; I’m still here, five years later!”