Discover 20+ Greater Manchester training providers including The Manchester College, Bolton College, Stockport College, Trafford College, and Oldham College. Find apprenticeships, digital skills, tech training, and digital skills across the Greater Manchester boroughs.
Greater Manchester is one of England's most dynamic training ecosystems, serving over 150,000 learners each year across its ten boroughs through a network of major colleges, specialist digital providers, and technical academies.
This 2026 directory profiles leading Greater Manchester training providers and the £92M GMCA Adult Education Budget, giving organisations external visibility while showing how Yotru standardises CVs, evidences outcomes, and protects GMCA and ESFA funding across AEB and apprenticeship cohorts.
Discover the complete ecosystem powering skills, compliance, and employment outcomes across the region:
Greater Manchester Combined Authority controls £92 million in devolved adult skills funding (Adult Education Budget), making strategic investment decisions aligned with the region's economic priorities.
According to GMCA, funding priorities for 2025-26 focus on:
This isn't replacing existing provision—it's directing it strategically. Providers like The Manchester College deliver large-scale AEB programmes, while specialist providers target specific skills gaps in digital, tech, and creative industries.
Mayor Andy Burnham has emphasised skills as central to Greater Manchester's economic strategy, particularly around MediaCityUK's creative sector and Manchester Airport's growth.
Now let's look at who's actually delivering training across the region.
Campuses: 8 locations across Manchester (City Centre, Openshaw, Harpurhey, Northenden, Wythenshawe, Shena Simon, Nicholls, Fielden)
Main Campus: Openshaw Campus, Ashton Old Road, Manchester M11 2WH
Students: 20,000+ annually (largest FE college in UK)
Leadership: Lisa O'Loughlin, Principal and Chief Executive
What they offer:
Full-time and part-time courses, apprenticeships, A Levels, T Levels, university-level courses, adult education
Strengths:
One of the UK's largest AEB providers, delivering programmes across all skill levels from entry to Level 5. Strong employer partnerships with Manchester Airport Group, NHS Greater Manchester, and AO.com.
Notable facilities:
Industry-standard workshops for engineering, construction, health sciences, creative industries, and hospitality. Partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University for higher education delivery.
Digital provision:
Digital Skills Academy delivering software development, cyber security, and data analytics programmes aligned with Manchester tech sector demand.
Contact: https://www.tmc.ac.uk
Campus: Deane Road, Bolton BL3 5BG
Students: 10,000+ annually
Leadership: Approved by OfSTED as "Good" provider
What they offer:
Vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, A Levels, university-level courses, adult education
Strengths:
Strong engineering and advanced manufacturing provision serving Bolton's industrial base. Partnership with University of Bolton for degree-level progression.
Employer partnerships:
Close links with AO.com (major employer in Bolton), automotive supply chain, and construction sector.
Notable programmes:
Level 3 Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing apprenticeships, Construction skills, Health and Social Care
Contact: https://www.boltoncollege.ac.uk
Campus: Wellington Road South, Stockport SK1 3UQ
Students: 8,000+ annually
Leadership: Stockport College Part of Trafford College Group
What they offer:
Full-time and part-time courses, apprenticeships, A Levels, T Levels, adult education
Strengths:
Automotive Centre of Excellence, Health Sciences provision, Business and Professional Services training
Employer partnerships:
Strong links with Stockport manufacturing sector, NHS Stockport, professional services firms
Notable facilities:
Industry-standard automotive workshops, health simulation suites, construction training facilities
Contact: https://www.stockport.ac.uk
Campuses: Altrincham (main), Stretford, Manchester
Students: 6,000+ annually
Leadership: Part of Trafford College Group
What they offer:
Vocational courses, apprenticeships, A Levels, T Levels, adult learning
Strengths:
Business and professional services, health and social care, engineering, construction
Location advantage:
Serves Trafford Park industrial estate (one of Europe's largest business parks) and Manchester city centre employers
Contact: https://www.trafford.ac.uk
Campus: Rochdale Road, Oldham OL9 6AA
Students: 7,000+ annually
Leadership: Mark Lewis, Principal
What they offer:
Full range of vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, A Levels, adult education
Community focus:
Serves one of Greater Manchester's highest-NEET boroughs with targeted outreach and foundation learning provision
Strengths:
Engineering, construction, health and care, business administration
Employer links:
Partnerships with local manufacturing, NHS Oldham, construction firms
Contact: https://www.oldham.ac.uk
Campuses: Parsons Walk (Wigan), Railway Road (Leigh)
Students: 9,000+ annually
Leadership: Part of Wigan & Leigh College
What they offer:
Vocational education, apprenticeships, A Levels, adult education, higher education
Strengths:
Engineering and manufacturing (serving Wigan's industrial sector), construction trades, health sciences
Notable facilities:
Advanced engineering workshops, construction training centre, health simulation suites
Contact: https://www.wigan-leigh.ac.uk
Campus: Beaufort Road, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6NX
Students: 6,000+ annually
What they offer:
Full-time and part-time courses, apprenticeships, adult education
Strengths:
Engineering, construction, health and social care, business
Community engagement:
Serves Tameside with targeted provision for adults returning to education and career changers
Contact: https://www.tameside.ac.uk
Location: Federation House, 2 Federation Street, Manchester M4 4BF
Specialization: Digital skills training, tech talent development, industry networking
What they offer:
Digital Skills Festival (annual event), Talent programmes for school leavers and career changers, Industry partnerships connecting learners with employers
Scale:
3,000+ member organisations across Greater Manchester digital sector
Notable programmes:
Tech Returners partnership, Digital Skills Partnership delivery, Bootcamp programmes for rapid workforce entry
Leadership: Katie Gallagher, Managing Director
Contact: https://www.manchesterdigital.com
Locations: Manchester city centre
Specialization: Software development bootcamps and apprenticeships
What they offer:
12-16 week intensive coding bootcamps, Level 4 Software Developer apprenticeships, Employer-partnered training programmes
Programming languages:
JavaScript, Python, .NET, React, full-stack development
Graduate employment:
High placement rates with Manchester tech employers including MediaCityUK companies
Delivery:
In-person Manchester campus, remote options available
Contact: https://wearecodenation.com
Location: Manchester (remote delivery)
Specialization: Tech skills for career returners (typically after career breaks)
What they offer:
12-week intensive technology training programmes, Guaranteed paid work placements with employer partners, Focus on diversity and inclusion in tech
Target audience:
Professionals returning to work after career breaks, career changers into tech
Employer partnerships:
Major Manchester employers including Co-operative Group, AO.com, BJSS, Booking.com
Contact: https://techreturners.com
Location: Manchester city centre
Specialization: Entry-level tech skills and digital inclusion
What they offer:
Free digital skills training for unemployed and underemployed residents, Pathways to tech careers, Employer connections
Focus:
Removing barriers to tech sector entry for disadvantaged communities
Contact: https://wearelaunchpad.org.uk
Location: Elliot House, 151 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WD
What they offer:
Export training and international trade, Management and leadership development, Digital skills for business, Apprenticeship levy transfer service
Accreditations:
British Chambers of Commerce accredited programmes
Employer services:
Skills needs analysis, Funded training navigation, Apprenticeship programme design
Contact: https://www.gmchamber.co.uk
Location: Manchester
Specialization: Tech recruitment and skills development
What they offer:
Skills bootcamps in partnership with GMCA, Rapid tech skills training (12-16 weeks), Direct employer placement pathways
Focus areas:
Software development, data analytics, cyber security, cloud computing
Contact: Available through GMCA provider network
Campus: Kilburn Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL
Programmes:
MSc Advanced Computer Science with AI specialisms, BSc Computer Science, Conversion MSc programmes for non-CS graduates
Industry partnerships:
Amazon, IBM, Microsoft, Arm, MediaCityUK companies
Innovation:
National Graphene Institute (tech applications), Productivity Institute (workforce development research)
Continuing professional development:
Executive education in AI, data science, digital transformation
Contact: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2026/00560/bsc-computer-science/
Campus: All Saints Campus, Manchester
Programmes:
BSc Computing and IT, MSc Data Science, MSc Cyber Security, Degree apprenticeships (Digital Technology Solutions)
Employer focus:
Strong SME partnerships across Greater Manchester, Work placements integrated into programmes
Facilities:
Dalton Building (industry-standard labs), STEM Learning Centre
Contact: https://www.mmu.ac.uk
Campus: Peel Park, Salford M5 4WT
Location advantage: MediaCityUK proximity
Programmes:
BSc Computer Science, MSc Artificial Intelligence, MSc Data Science, Degree apprenticeships
Industry partnerships:
BBC, ITV, MediaCityUK creative tech companies
Unique strength:
Strong creative industries tech integration (broadcast tech, digital media)
Contact: https://www.salford.ac.uk
Coverage: Construction Industry Training Board provision across Greater Manchester
What they offer:
Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) training, Health & Safety courses, Plant operations, NVQs in construction trades
Employer services:
Apprenticeship levy support, Grant funding for SME training
Contact: https://www.citb.co.uk
Locations: Multiple Greater Manchester sites
What they offer:
Construction pre-employment programmes, Skills bootcamps (construction pathway), CSCS card training, Trade-specific NVQs
Community focus:
Targeted recruitment from high-unemployment areas
Contact: https://www.theskillscompany.co.uk
Greater Manchester presence: Major apprenticeship training provider
Scale:
Delivers apprenticeships across multiple sectors for 100+ employers
Sectors:
Business administration, customer service, digital, management and leadership
Delivery:
Workplace-based with dedicated skills coaches
Contact: https://www.serco.com/uk/sector-expertise/employability-skills/apprenticeships
Locations: Manchester office serving regional employers
What they offer:
Apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 7, Business administration, Leadership and management, Digital apprenticeships
Employer partnerships:
Major Manchester employers including public sector, professional services, retail
Contact: https://www.totalpeople.co.uk
AEB Funding: £92 million annually
What they do:
Commission and fund adult skills training, Set regional skills priorities, Monitor provider performance, Coordinate Skills for Greater Manchester strategy
Priority sectors 2025-26:
Digital and tech, Advanced manufacturing, Health and social care, Green skills
Contact: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/work-and-skills/
Purpose: Strategic coordination of skills provision across the city-region
What they do:
Analyse labour market intelligence, Connect employers with training providers, Support Local Skills Improvement Plan delivery
Contact: Operates as part of GMCA framework
Training Providers & Colleges
Use this directory to understand your position in the regional ecosystem, identify partnership opportunities, and share with prospective learners searching for you online. Ensure your programmes meet GMCA AEB compliance requirements.
Employers & HR Teams
Find accredited providers for workforce development, apprenticeship programmes, and skills bootcamps. GMCA can help match your specific needs and access AEB-funded training for your workforce.
Community Organizations & Libraries
Direct residents to appropriate training pathways. Most providers offer adult education, government-funded options, and flexible delivery.
Policymakers & Funders
Reference point for understanding Greater Manchester training infrastructure, provider specializations, and regional coordination mechanisms.
Pro Tip
Many government-funded courses require 19+ age, Greater Manchester residency, and 3 years UK residence. Always check eligibility before committing.
Yotru provides digital tools that help training providers deliver structured career support to learners in AEB-funded and skills programmes.
Our platform enables learners to build professional CVs, receive tailored feedback, and develop career action plans—while giving providers time-stamped documentation of career development activity.
Training providers in Greater Manchester can use Yotru to:
We help providers save time, improve consistency in career support, and create documentation that supports their compliance and funding obligations.
Request a two-week pilot to explore how similar workflows perform in your own context. Providers should ensure that any use of learner data during pilot activity is consistent with their internal data protection policies and legal obligations.
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
We build career tools informed by years working in workforce development, employability programs, and education technology. We work with training providers and workforce organizations to create practical tools for employment and retraining programs—combining labor market insights with real-world application to support effective career development. Follow us on LinkedIn.
Major providers include The Manchester College, Bolton College, Stockport College, Trafford College, Oldham College, Wigan & Leigh College, CodeNation, Manchester Digital, and the University of Manchester. Each serves different audiences from school leavers to adult career changers.
This content is written for UK training providers, colleges, workforce organisations, and employers involved in skills delivery, apprenticeships, and adult education. It is intended for programme leads, quality and compliance teams, employer engagement staff, and policymakers responsible for learner outcomes, funded provision, and employability support.
Yotru content is produced to support clarity, accuracy, and practical understanding of the UK skills and workforce landscape. Articles reference publicly available guidance and sector communications for context only. Content is informational and does not constitute legal, regulatory, funding, or compliance advice. Readers should consult official sources for current requirements.
Yotru provides employability and career development tools that may support training delivery and learner progression. Use of Yotru does not guarantee compliance with ESFA, devolved authority, Ofsted, or other regulatory requirements, nor does it guarantee funding outcomes, audit results, learner employment, or data accuracy. Training providers remain fully responsible for regulatory compliance, funding claims, evidence validation, and data protection obligations. Independent legal or compliance advice should be sought where appropriate.
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