Background to the programme
Oldham College has been successfully promoting Enterprise in Greater Oldham for many years and has been proud to have many successful young entrepreneurs graduate from its student intake. Including most recently the 1st and 3rd placed recipients of the Oldham Young Entrepreneur of the year 2019.
The programme is a partnership with Oldham College and is designed to support young people who wish to set up their own business, either as a stand-alone venture or as a business they could run to support their studies through college and potentially university and gain practical experience whilst doing so.
The Offer
The offer is in conjunction with Oldham College via their Faculty of Financial and Professional Services and is accessible through a variety of means. Namely a 2-year level 3 Enterprise BTEC Diploma course, a 1 year level 2 Enterprise course that can progress to the level 3 upon successful completion
In addition, all schools in the Oldham area can access the College’s Enterprise course if they contact them to arrange this for terms and conditions of delivery.
Case Studies
Tayler Keogh-Wroe successfully completed the course in 2019 leaving with a Distinction in her studies as well as being the recipient of a number of awards and successful funding to support her bespoke bakery business Hey Puddin’
Tayler has now gone on to work with YENO and is also now supporting Oldham College in delivering Enterprise to the new generation of learners. Bethany Graham has used the course to develop her online business and received local acclaim for her social and ethically based business ideas.
Jacob Santiago-Travis was looking for a business course and had a hobby in breeding snakes, it wasn’t until he interviewed for a course at the College that he realised he could monetise his hobby and went on to receive funding and support as he develops his business further at University.
Tahiyan Choudhury saw a gap in the market for beard balms in Oldham and created his own bespoke range and received support and funding from his time on the course.
Starting a business is not as difficult as you think, making it successful is the challenge, the skills and knowledge you will gain at Oldham College will be great to enhance your cv, grow your confidence and develop you as a person.
Mike Jackson-Leafield said “year in year out successful young entrepreneurs and the potential business owners, mentors and local leaders of the future are being developed at Oldham College and we are proud to be working with The Oldham Enterprise Trust and their partners.”
Gemma Rothwell, successfully completed the course and made the final of the National Entrepreneur of the year in 2016 with her photography business, Gem.
Melanie Greenwood successfully applied and gained a grant to support her photography business in 2017.
In 2017 their current Enterprise students competed in the Greater Manchester Enterprise Challenge against other colleges and won.
Their 2018 learners are competed in the Young Enterprise challenge and hosted the Oldham area final showcase.
They currently have a number of learners preparing to pitch for grant investment in their clothing or Gift design companies they are creating.
In 2017 their Enterprise students managed an awareness campaign for Dr Kershaw’s hospice and worked with Oldham Council Markets on a market research project.
They are always looking for business mentors/guest speakers to work with their learners so please contact the College using the details below
Contact Details:
Mike Jackson-Leafield
CUFP, Oldham College,
Rochdale Road, Oldham,
Email: mike.jackson-leafield@oldham.ac.uk
Phone: 0161 785 4180
Twitter: @tutorMikeJL
