Alumni

Lenai Marshall
Lenai Marshall Finance Administrator at BLM Business Admin Apprenticeship

After initially studying A-Levels, Lenai soon realised that she would benefit more from learning in the workplace than she would in the classroom. She then quickly concluded that the best path for her was an apprenticeship.

“I learned a lot about how to carry myself as a professional and developed my practical skills. It also made me much more confident and I’ve gained a real head start on my career”

Lorraine Dale
Lorraine Dale Self-employed Beauty Therapist Level 4 Advanced Beauty Therapy Techniques

Lorraine knows first hand just how valuable it can be to return to education as an adult. The experience led to her gaining the cutting edge skills to stand out in the industry.

“It was great to learn from knowledgeable tutors who were more than happy to share their expertise”

Luke Webster
Luke Webster Executive Recruitment Consultant at Reed Level 2 Business Administration

Luke got some much-needed career direction when he undertook his apprenticeships. The experience opened so many doors for him and allowed him to seize so many opportunities.

“Hopwood Hall College gave me so much to be thankful for. They helped me become the professional I am today”

Madison Freeman
Madison Freeman Studying Theatre and Performance at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Performing Arts

Madison joined us from St Cuthbert’s RC High School with a dream of becoming a professional actress. She’s now on her way to making this a reality!

“The course is a fantastic way to make connections and this is key to building yourself a name in this industry. Think big and be creative in chaos”

Maria Kouser
Maria Kouser Nursery Practitioner at 1st Safari Daycare Nursery Education & Childcare

Maria will proudly tell people that her time at Hopwood Hall really boosted her confidence, increased her independence and made her the person that she is today!

“Manage your time appropriately, enjoy your work experience and always take part in different opportunities which will help improve your progress”

Mark Doma
Mark Doma Accounts Administrator, Clarity Business Travel Travel & Tourism

Mark’s got the world at his feet after attending Hopwood. It’s a journey that began when he enrolled to study Travel and Tourism after deciding that he’d love to work in the travel industry.

“Lots of jobs are linked to Travel & Tourism, which makes it a great industry to get into. My course was a fantastic way to gain the skills and qualifications required to get into the industry”

Matthew Burdaky
Matthew Burdaky Electrical Installation Instructor at Hopwood Hall College Electrical Engineering & Level 4 Education & Training

Hopwood stood out to Matthew because of its class-leading Technology Centre. He now has the pleasure of working in this state of the art building as he trains the next generation.

”My best advice to students is to just enjoy the college experience. Your tutors will certainly make it an enjoyable time and ensure you can succeed”

Matthew Jackson
Matthew Jackson Store Manager at Costa Coffee Hospitality & Catering

Matthew found that the course was full of opportunities – both in and of the kitchen. He was able to gain extra qualifications, speak at college events, attend conferences and sit on various panels.

“My favourite thing about Hopwood was the opportunities that opened up. I went from a shy young boy to a strong independent man with skills, experiences and a qualification I never thought I’d have!”

Matty Ashton
Matty Ashton Fullback for Warrington Wolves Sport

Matty chose to study at Hopwood after his school recommended the famously successful rugby programme and its facilities. You’ll now find him playing professionally for Warrington Wolves!

“At college I learned not to panic, because the amount of help the tutors give you is very good and they will push you to be your best”

Megan Charlesworth
Megan Charlesworth Staff Nurse, Royal Oldham Hospital A&E Health & Social Care

Megan was first attracted to studying at the college because of the placement opportunities available. These were vital in helping her to understand just where she fit into within the care sector

“I couldn’t have done it without the Hopwood staff and the people I met along the way. I’m so thankful I get to follow my passion for helping people”

Mia McDougall
Mia McDougall Animal Care Assistant, Vets Now Animal Management

Mia knew that she needed to pursue her dream of working with animals after seeing the facilities at Hopwood. It meant she had the great opportunity of care for rare and wonderful wildlife as she strived towards her goals.

“My advice would be to make sure you always get involved in practicals as you may never get to do it again outside of college”

Michaela Corder
Michaela Corder Owner of The Bamford Hair Company Hairdressing

Michaela’s time at the college didn’t just land her a job, but also set her up for a thrilling journey in life – one that’s taken her across the seven seas and then into the role of business owner.

 “Hopwood Hall was a perfect supportive start to my career. They have also continued to support me and that’s why I continue to support them”

Michelle Yearsley
Michelle Yearsley Volunteer at Imperial War Museum, Salford Access to Higher Education

Michelle was a mature student, a mum-of-four and had a full-time career when she enrolled to study Access. She’s now using the knowledge she learned every day as she works at the world famous Imperial War Museum.

“Access was the best thing I’ve done. It opened my eyes to things I knew nothing and really extended my knowledge”

Molly Spence
Molly Spence Beautician at Gemma’s Beauty Clinic Level 4 Advanced Beauty Therapy Techniques

Molly’s course instilled in her a sense that she could do anything – and she’s already proving this with the success she’s found in her career!

“My favourite thing about Hopwood was definitely being able to practise on clients from the public. I went from zero confidence to loads of confidence within weeks!”

Muhammad Qasim Al
Muhammad Qasim Al Studying Electronic Engineering at the University of Manchester Electrical and Electronic

Thanks to his hard work and can-do attitude at the college, Muhammad is now attending one of the best universities in the country! 

“The best part of the whole experience was the tutors and the learning environment. If you need support, you’ll always get it from your tutors”

Oliver Lewis
Oliver Lewis Commis chef at Michelin-rated restaurant Level 2 Commis Chef

Oliver’s honed skillset meant he was quickly able to turn the head of one of the biggest employers in the country and join the team at a Michelin-rated restaurant.

“Hopwood’s facilities were top notch – the whole experience really was brilliant”

Pippa Ellis
Pippa Ellis Ionithermie Therapist at Steiner Spa Cruises Beauty Therapy

Pippa worked with clients in the Riverside Salon to build up her experience. Since qualifying she has travelled the world to places such as the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico and Cayman Islands.

“My advice to students studying a Hair & Beauty course is to make the most of the Riverside Salon experience. Lots of students don’t get that work experience so it gives you a good head start in the job market”

Rebecca Marson
Rebecca Marson Norland Nanny at Norland College Education & Childcare

These days you’ll find Rebecca studying a degree at the prestigious Norland College. In the future she plans to open a nursery specialising in emotional development.

“When I needed advice on assignments there was someone there to help, when I needed advice on real life there was also someone there to help. The tutors wanted the best for me”

Richard Barnes
Richard Barnes Physiotherapist at Airedale General Hospital. Level 3 Access to Higher Education – Health Science Professions

Richard’s Access course gave him the coveted qualification needed to progress to university – and in turn that led to his dream job.

“One of the most fulfilling aspects was the journey itself and the feeling of moving towards the overall goal. They are memories which I hold dearly”

Richard Colclough
Richard Colclough Studying Bachelor’s Degree in Japanese, TESOL and Linguistics at York St. John University Level 3 Access to Higher Education – Humanities

Richard used his Access course to progress to university. He’s now studying a course that promises to open so many personal and professional doors for him.

“I loved the experience of adult learning – the atmosphere it provides and the incredibly supportive nature of the class”

Rida Sarmad
Rida Sarmad Healthcare Assistant at Rochdale Infirmary Level 2 Adult Care Worker

With a solid career in front of her, Rida couldn’t imagine being where she is now without the life-changing experience of completing an apprenticeship in such a rewarding sector.

“Without my time at Hopwood Hall, I think it would have been hard to succeed as much as I have. They taught me so much!”

Rossi Newton
Rossi Newton Machine Apprentice at Ken Mills Engineering Mechanical Engineering

During his course Rossi won the inaugural William Cooke Memorial Award in 2021. It was a testament to his hard work, determination and ability to shine so brightly!

“Hopwood had the best facilities out of all the colleges I looked at. My advice to anyone choosing a college would be to just give Hopwood a go because you’ll more than likely end up enjoying it”

Saad Farooq
Saad Farooq Reliability Maintenance Engineer at Amazon HNC Electrical and Electronic

Hopwood’s Technology Centre gave Saad the opportunity to gain the most sought-after skills. It didn’t take long for this to turn the heads of employers and start a lucrative career!

“My course opened up many doors and I have achieved a lot since gaining my qualification at such a great University Centre”

Saffron Stead
Saffron Stead Student Police Officer, Greater Manchester Police Uniformed Public Services

Saffron had dreamed of being in the police since she was a child. This dream is now about to become a reality after she studied Uniformed Public Services at Hopwood.

“Each day was something to look forward to. My course helped me to achieve my dream career – and yours can too!”

Sarah Godding
Sarah Godding Beauty Lecturer at Hopwood Hall College Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training

Sarah’s course equipped her with the abilities to adapt, change and improvise – all the skills you need to become a successful lecturer.

”I learnt that hard work pays off and you can achieve anything you want. The lecturers never stop believing and will always encourage students at any age to use their full potential”

Sascha Kindred
Sascha Kindred Champion swimmer Sport

Sascha is one of Great Britain’s most successful Paralympic athletes, representing his country in no fewer than four Paralympic Games. He has won a staggering six Paralympic, five World and eight European Championship Gold medals.

“I enjoyed every moment of my time there and will never forget the experienced staff, friendly students and fantastic facilities that helped me along my way”

Shahida Begum
Shahida Begum Teaching Assistant at Lowerplace Primary School Education & Childcare

Shahida always knew that she wanted to work with children. Once she visited Hopwood, it was a no-brainer that it was the place to make it happen. She now gets to share her passion every day.

“My tutors made the lessons fun and interactive – I was able to build so many valuable life skills. The course opens up so many amazing opportunities”

Simon Smith
Simon Smith Owner of Smith’s Barbers Level 3 Certificate in Barbering

Salon owner Simon is now ready to take his business to the next level after studying in the evenings to gain those all-important new qualifications.

“You quickly get a hold of part-time learning. It’s a challenge, but it’s definitely worth it.”

Stacey McDonagh
Stacey McDonagh Cabin Crew, Ryanair Travel and Tourism

Stacey had sky-high expectations when she chose her course. She’s now living a jet-set lifestyle having secured her dream job on the same day that she got her exam results.

“Since I was 12 I’ve always wanted to go and see loads of different places and make memories – and now my job allows me to do just that. I’m ready to go all over the world”

Timothy Herbert
Timothy Herbert Training General Technician, RAF Mechanical Engineering

The tutors pushed Timothy to achieve the best that he could in his assignments. He rose to the occasion and this prepared him to go into the workforce feeling ready, willing and able.

“I would advise anyone to commit to a course. If you get your head down and communicate with the staff, it’s a guarantee that you will receive the best possible teaching available”

Middleton Campus
Rochdale Road, Middleton
Manchester, M24 6XH
0161 643 7560
Rochdale Campus
St. Mary’s Gate
Rochdale, OL12 6RY
01706 345 346