"Oldham is entering a confident new chapter" — two major events to drive career opportunities in the borough

The Oldham Works Summit and Future Ready Careers Experience both take place this week.

This Thursday (Nov 6) Oldham Council will welcome partners, employers, education leaders and local organisations to the Oldham Works Summit — bringing together key voices to drive opportunity, skills and future-ready jobs for the borough.

At the summit, the council will launch the Employment and Skills Plan 2025–2030, setting out its shared commitment to ensuring residents can access good quality work, young people and adults gain the skills to thrive, employers help shape the workforce of tomorrow and growth benefits every community in Oldham.

The aim is to build a confident, skilled Oldham powered by partnership. 

On the same day, Oldham’s biggest ever careers experience for young people takes place at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

More than 650 pupils in years 9 to 11 will take part in interactive, hands-on sessions with leading employers, exploring exciting career pathways in Construction and Green Economy, Creative, Culture and Sport, Digital and Technology, Education and Early Years, Engineering and Manufacturing, Financial and Professional Services and Health and Social Care. 

This year, the event will also welcome young people who are not in education, employment or training, those who are home-educated and those with SEND — ensuring every young person has access to opportunity. 

All Oldham schools are invited during the day from 10am—3pm, but the final hour is open to anyone aged 13-18. 

Building on Oldham’s CyberFirst programme and expanding digital pathways, this event strengthens its growing digital future — and with even more to come. 

Cllr Mohon Ali, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “Oldham is entering a confident new chapter — one built on ambition, partnership and opportunity. 

"From bringing major employers together, to inspiring our young people face-to-face, we are investing in the talent and potential of our borough. 

Together, we will ensure every resident has the chance to gain the skills they need to succeed and shape Oldham’s future.”