Summer campaign launched to help people across Greater Manchester explore skills options

A new campaign is using labour market insight to help people across Greater Manchester explore their employment and skills development options ahead of September.

Delivered by The Growth Company on behalf of GMCA, Employ GM helps people find jobs, search for courses, and find localised support across the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester and launched earlier this year.

To support GM residents considering their next steps, the platform’s ‘Summer of Employ GM’ campaign draws on key findings from GMCA’s Labour Market and Sector Insights report, providing insight into local job trends – from vacancy figures to the most in-demand skills across each borough. The latest report covering the Spring period (March 24 – May 24) found high demand for roles like teaching assistants and customer service positions, the former of which was the most advertised job in the past year.

It also revealed that the public sector employs just over one in three workers in the city-region, across health, education, emergency services, and local government, and that a steady increase in future demand for construction jobs is also expected, with an estimate of around 11,000 new jobs expected in Greater Manchester by 2027.

Michelle Leeson, the Growth Company’s Managing Director for Employment, said:

“The weeks leading up to September are a typically busy time for many Greater Manchester residents considering their options. Employ GM is here to support them – whether it be with finding a job, accessing practical support, such as help with CV writing, or enrolling on training or skills courses.

“Understanding the local job market, from the high demand for teaching assistants to the anticipated growth in construction jobs, can help individuals make informed decisions about their future. In addition to the breadth of support Employ GM offers, we hope that, by working closely with GMCA to provide key insights into the employment landscape, we will provide an extra level of support for GM residents when considering their future options.”

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Greater Manchester Lead for Technical Education and Skills, said:

“Greater Manchester is committed to ensuring that all our residents have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive in today’s job market. This campaign is an excellent initiative that empowers residents to make informed decisions about their careers and skills development. By leveraging detailed labour market insights, we can guide residents toward opportunities that not only match their skills and interests but also contribute to the city region’s economic growth.”