Oldham Council’s flagship employment support service - Get Oldham Working - has been crowned national winner of the Tailored Employment Support Award at the ERSA Employability Awards 2025 . . . the most prestigious awards in the UK’s employment support sector.
It brings together leading national providers from across the country to celebrate their achievements and champion the work delivered by individuals, teams, partnerships and organisations.
The Get Oldham Working team triumphed ahead of major industry names including Ingeus, Seetec, The Growth Company, Maximus, G4S and Reed.
This year’s awards attracted more than 250 national nominations. Alongside winning their category, Get Oldham Working was also shortlisted in five further categories, cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s most impactful employment and skills services.
It recognises Get Oldham Working’s pioneering approach to personalised employment support, which has consistently delivered outstanding outcomes for local residents. Since its creation in 2013, the service has created over 21,600 opportunities and supported more than 16,500 residents into work.
The team provides support with employment, training, apprenticeships, careers guidance and employer recruitment, helping thousands of residents each year to find work, upskill or progress in their careers.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Since the Council launched Get Oldham Working, it has always been about unlocking the potential of our people, and this national recognition shows just how far the service has come.
"Each new opportunity and every resident supported reflects our commitment to local talent. I’m incredibly proud of the team – not only for this award, but for the many residents they have supported, helping them rebuild confidence and transform their outlook.
"I want to congratulate the whole team for their dedication and hard work. They are helping to build a more confident, skilled and resilient Oldham and residents consistently tell us they feel heard, valued and included. This award is very well deserved.”
Get Oldham Working’s offer includes ‘GOW Wardrobe’, a personal styling and mentoring service supporting Oldham residents with clothes, accessories and interview support for interviews and employment.
They also offer their unique ‘GOW Therapy’ service which provides one-to-one clinical support for a minimum of 26 weeks, supporting residents to overcome barriers, build resilience and progress with confidence.
The service also hosts Oldham’s annual Jobs Fair, which this year welcomed 2,200 residents and 54 employers, creating direct access to live vacancies.
Feedback from residents continues to highlight the value of Get Oldham Working’s tailored support. One recent participant said: “I absolutely loved it at Get Oldham Working. The support rebuilt my confidence and gave me the experience I needed for my CV and application forms. I love my new role and want to say a huge thank you to the team for all their help and support. Keep doing amazing work!”
Cllr Fida Hussain, Cabinet Member for Enterprise, added: “This is a moment of real pride for Oldham. To be recognised on a national stage, and ahead of some of the biggest names in the sector, shows just how powerful our locally led approach can be.
"Get Oldham Working is rooted in our communities, providing support that genuinely changes lives.”
With initiatives like Work Well, the Live Well agenda, and the Government’s new Get Britain Working strategy gaining national attention, Get Oldham Working is well positioned to support and influence wider employment reform.
Through strong partnerships with local organisations such as Action Together, the service continues to deliver joined-up community support that reflects the ambitions of these national strategies. This ensures residents receive timely, accessible support in their own communities.
To get help with finding work, changing career, training, apprenticeships or wellbeing support, residents can:
-Call 0161 770 4674
-Email Getoldhamworking@oldham.gov.uk
-Visit www.oldham.gov.uk/GOW
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