Oldham’s flagship employment support programme, Get Oldham Working, has secured national recognition after winning a prestigious award at the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) Employability Awards.
The service was named national winner of the Tailored Employment Support Award, triumphing over major UK providers in a highly competitive field. The ERSA awards are regarded as the leading honours in the employment support sector, celebrating organisations that deliver outstanding results for people facing barriers to work.
Since launching in 2013, Get Oldham Working has helped create more than 21,600 opportunities and supported over 16,500 residents into employment. The programme provides personalised support including careers advice, training, apprenticeships, employer recruitment services and specialist one-to-one coaching to build confidence and skills.
The service also delivers innovative initiatives such as GOW Wardrobe, which offers interview clothing and mentoring, and GOW Therapy, providing tailored emotional and wellbeing support for residents who need additional help to move closer to work. Its annual Jobs Fair continues to attract thousands of residents and employers from across the borough.
Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, praised the achievement, highlighting the dedication of the Get Oldham Working team and the positive difference the service makes to residents’ lives by helping them gain skills, confidence and sustainable employment.
Cllr Fida Hussain, Cabinet Member for Enterprise, said the award reflects the strength of Oldham’s locally led approach and its focus on tailored, person-centred employment support.
The national award follows a highly competitive process with hundreds of nominations from across the UK and reinforces Oldham’s reputation as a leader in delivering effective employment and skills services.