Get Oldham Working

Get Oldham Working is a Council service helping Oldham residents to find work, training, and wellbeing support.

We offer free, personalised help for anyone looking to improve their skills, find a job, or progress in their career. Whether you’re unemployed, returning to work, or already in employment, we are here to support you.

We can help you with:

  • Finding local jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities
  • CV writing and job applications
  • Accessing wellbeing and mental health support
  • Developing confidence, motivation, and work skills
  • Accessing interview support and clothing ‘GOW wardrobe’
  • Career progression or support if you’re already in work through or at risk of redundancy
  • Attending job fairs, recruitment days, and training events
  • Gaining qualifications and sector-specific training

Contact

Address

Get Oldham Working
First Place 
22 Union Street 
Oldham 
OL1 1BE  

Get Oldham Working
Level 8 
Spindles Management Suite 
Oldham 
OL1 1HD

Sign up

Join our register to get started and receive support today:

Sign up to the register

After you contact us, we’ll match you to the right employability programme for your needs.

Our programmes

Support to Succeed (S2S) – Helps residents who are not currently working to build confidence, improve wellbeing, and take the first steps towards employment.

WorkWell Vanguard – Supports Oldham residents who are working, at risk of losing their job, or recently unemployed due to health-related issues to stay well and in work.

National Careers Service (NCS) – Offers free, confidential careers advice and practical help with CVs, training, and job searches.

Restart (Ingeus) – This government initiative provides a 12-month intensive and personalised programme for residents who have been unemployed long-term. You must be referred by the Jobcentre Plus.

Career Advancement Service (CAS) – Helps people already in work to gain confidence, progress in their roles, and build long-term job security.

Alleviating barriers – Supports residents into local government, childcare and healthcare through training, guidance, and employment matching.

GOW Digital Inclusion Project - Supports people to improve digital confidence and online skills.

WorkWell Trailblazer – We are working with our community partner ‘Action together’ to provide health and employment support through local voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) groups. Sanctuary Seekers Programme, Refugee Welcome Programme (RWP) – Alongside our community partner ‘Action together’ RWP, offers specialist support for refugees and asylum seekers, including English language learning, skills development, and employability coaching.

GOW Youth – Supports young people aged 16–25, including care leavers, with one-to-one guidance, work experience, apprenticeships, confidence building and practical help to move into work, training, or education.

Learning and development opportunities

We can help you learn new skills, build confidence, and get ready for work. Our innovative training and projects are designed to support you at your own pace, whatever your starting point:

  • 'Making Employment Accessible' (MEA) traineeships: Via WorkWell Trailblazer, we provide paid traineeships for Oldham residents with barriers to employment, who are aged 16+ and who have been unemployed for 6 months.
  • Apprenticeships: We can help you find an apprenticeship in Oldham, open to all age groups, whatever your prior level of education.
  • Application Support Sessions: Get one-to-one help with job applications, cover letters, and CVs.
  • Interview Techniques: Learn practical ways to prepare for interviews and make a good impression.
  • Widen Your Job Search: Learn how to explore different types of jobs and industries to find more opportunities.
  • ESOL Employability Support: Learn English while developing job-ready skills.
  • Childcare and Parent Employment Projects: Helping parents, return to the workplace through flexible training and placements.
  • Sector-Based Training: Programmes like Step into the NHS, Step into Care, and Step into Local Government offer training, employer links, and job opportunities in growing industries.

Health, therapy and wellbeing

We can help you feel better, build confidence, and get the support you need to move forward.

  • GOW Therapy Service: Up to 26 weeks of free counselling or therapy from qualified practitioners.
  • Oldham Community Leisure (OCL): Access to free gym sessions, group exercise, and wellbeing activities.
  • Outdoor and Nature-Based Projects: Delivered with partners such as Northern Roots and Get Oldham Healthy.
  • Mind Mingle: Informal sessions combining creativity, confidence, and social skills.
  • GOW Treasure Hunt: A fun and practical way to build confidence and independence by exploring Oldham. Learn how to use public transport, access local services, and handle everyday tasks like banking and postal errands.

Free recruitment services

Get Oldham Working can help you to recruit people in Oldham.

Businesses - Can you help to Get Oldham Working?

If you can:

  • Offer mentoring and support
  • Offer training and development
  • Support local suppliers
  • Offer work experience
  • Create apprenticeship opportunities
  • Create jobs
  • Create voluntary roles

We'd love to hear from you:

Help to Get Oldham Working

 

GOW register