GC Education and Skills

Kick-start your future or business and achieve your goals with our range of apprenticeships, traineeships, courses, higher education degrees and adult courses.
The Future Starts Here
Did you know we are launching a first of its kind Software Developer Level 4 Apprenticeship - join the tech revolution!
Find out more!
Fully Funded Short Courses
If you are employed and work or live within Greater Manchester, we can help you upskill and invest in your future with one of our fully funded short courses!
Find out more here.
How we can help you

Are you a learner?

Launch your career with GC Education & Skills. We have supported young individuals as well as adults seeking to enhance their skill sets and realise their full potential. We provide a vast array of opportunities, including apprenticeships, traineeships, short and flexible courses, skills bootcamps and higher education degrees, supporting you at every stage of your professional journey. This is your future.

Are you an employer?

We recognise the importance of a skilled and efficient workforce for any business to thrive. We strive to work hand-in-hand with employers to gain a thorough understanding of your business needs and identify areas for staff development. Whether it's through apprenticeships to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the company or flexible courses to upskill your colleagues, get ready to future proof your workforce today.
Future Proof Your Business
We understand business, and the value of a happy, productive workforce. We will work collaboratively with you to really understand your business, and establish your staff development requirements and gaps. Whether it is apprenticeships, traineeships or courses, we can provide the relevant tailored solutions for you.
Find out how we can support your business
Find your course
Skills Bootcamps
Skills Bootcamps – part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee and Plan for Jobs are flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with a local employer.
Find out more!
What we offer
If you're looking for an alternative to college or university, where you can earn and learn your way into a job that suits your passion, we can help. For information on how we can help, email recruitment@gceducationandskills.ac.uk.

Apprenticeships

We have a wide-range of apprenticeships on offer - from engineering and manufacturing to technology and digital. Get ready to gain experience and skills whilst developing your network. Advance your career and gain a qualification.

Courses and Study Programmes

If you're not quite ready for an apprenticeship, a pre-apprenticeship is the ideal stepping stone. It'll get you up-to-speed on the skills employers want to see and give you an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the area you want to work in. We also offer a range of support services every step of the way.

Higher Education

Our courses are delivered part-time and are the perfect option for people who want to balance work and home life with studying.

Adult courses

We offer a range of flexible and full/part-time courses for adults looking to learn a trade, secure a job or work towards a professional qualification.

Unity Radio

The Growth Company has recently announced a partnership with Unity Radio’s New Talent Academy to deliver real life learning and help put theory into practice. Listen to our past recordings here!

For Business

If you are looking to develop your team or organisation's capability, we offer various learning and development solutions to meet your needs.
Green Technology Courses
We have a range of exciting, upcoming courses specialising in emerging green technologies. From Solar Photovoltaic to Wind Turbine technology, support a greener way to develop careers. #EducateToInnovate
Register your interest here!

Pre-Apprenticeship Study Programmes

What is a Study Programme? Watch our video to find out about Study Programmes – what’s involved, who they are for and much more.

Digital & Technology - The Future is Here!
Our exciting and innovative technology and digital apprenticeships provides apprentices and employers with valuable sought-after digital skills. We've recently launched our exclusive Demand for Digital Skills Insight Report with insight into future trends in the digital world.
Find out more!

Get in touch by filling in the form below or call us today on 0161 233 2656

Introducing the new Software Developer Level 4 Apprenticeship!
Recruit apprentices or reskill your existing workforce and provide your business with the in-demand tech skills you need. Future-proofing your tech talent together.
Software Developer Apprenticeship
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can training and courses help my career?

Courses are a great way to develop new skills, learn more about a topic and move your career in the right direction, whether in an area you are already working in or a completely new career path. Our courses support you to develop the skills needed to succeed in your chosen career.  

Here are a few benefits:  

  • Develop skills needed  
  • Develop new skills  
  • Refresh skills 
  • Find passion  
How can training and courses help my business?

Upskilling your employees is a great way to show your staff that you care about their professional development. There are a number of benefits of upskilling your employees, including: 

  • Improve employee retention by demonstrating you are willing to invest in developing their career 
  • Employees who have training and development opportunities are generally happier in their roles. Having something to work towards, like a qualification, can give employees motivation for their future careers and improve satisfaction in their role. 
  • Create a positive work culture that keeps your employees engaged with the business, helping them to see improvements in their performance and inspiring them to continue to develop. 
  • Increase productivity as employees will feel more confident in their roles and abilities, allowing them to complete their work more efficiently and increasing productivity. 
  • Keep the skills of your team current and up to date and ensuring you keep up with competitors 

Find out more about how GC Education and Skills can support your business.  

What are the top skills I need for a successful business career?

There are a number of skills that are essential for a successful career in Business. If you are just starting out in your career, a helpful place to start could be out Employability programme. 

If you have a clearer idea of what are of Business you would like to work in, visit our website to find out more about the Business and Professional programmes we have on offer, including Finance and Accounting, HR, Marketing, Management and more.  

Is GC Education and Skills right for my business goals?

At GC Education and Skills, we understand business, and the value of a happy, productive workforce. We will work collaboratively with you to really understand your business and establish your staff development requirements and gaps. 

Through our flexible delivery model, we can deliver training when and where your business needs it, whether that be in the workplace or within one of our training centres with start dates throughout the year. 

As one of the biggest training providers in Greater Manchester, we can also give you access to the best apprentice candidates in the region and our established links with schools and colleges mean we can select the best talent for your business. 

Find out more about how GC Education and Skills can support your business. 

Is GC Education and Skills right for my career goals?

GC Education and Skills has been established for 30 years, making us experts in our field, and we’ve supported thousands of young people who want to kick-start their careers, and adults who want to raise their skill level throughout their working life and achieve their full potential. 

We offer a huge range of apprenticeships, traineeships and courses for people throughout their working lives. As well as practical-based training, we also offer a wide range of classroom-based courses designed to cater for all levels and all ages. Our apprenticeships are designed with progression in mind so learners can move on to advanced apprenticeships and higher apprenticeships and, in some occupations, on to higher education. 

We will work with you to find the right course for your career and personal goals.  

Find out more about how GC Education and Skills can support you to achieve your career goals.  

How much do GC Education and Skills courses cost?

Information about course costs for each programme can be found on the course webpage. Many of our programmes are fully funded meaning there is no cost to the learner.

What are the GC Education and Skills course requirements?

Entry requirements vary from course to course. Information about specific entry requirements for each programme can be found on the course webpage. 

How do I know which course is best for me?

Finding the course that is right for you can be a difficult decision to make but we will work with you to choose the perfect option that will support you to achieve your goals. We have careers advisors on site to provide you with a tour of the building, help with your CV or have an informal chat about what’s involved in each course, what qualification you will receive and potential career opportunities looking ahead. 

How long does it take to process applications?

We aim to respond within 48 hours of your enquiry. Our friendly and informative team will get in touch as soon as possible and guide you through the application process.