College shortlisted in two categories at Rochdale Diversity Awards

Hopwood Hall College is proud to be shortlisted in two categories at the upcoming Rochdale Diversity Awards 2026.

This week it was announced that the college is nominated for both the Apprenticeships Award and the Breaking Barriers Award.

The winner will be announced when the annual ceremony takes place at Rochdale Town Hall on Friday 23^rd October.

Hopwood earned its place on the Apprenticeships Award shortlist due to its record of training apprentices of all ages and from all backgrounds.

In fact, this training route has become so popular that the number of apprentices at the college has grown by 105% in the past five years alone.

Meanwhile, the college’s success with its Supported Internship programme put it in the running for the Breaking Barriers Award.

This initiative has quickly proven to be a very effective way of breaking down barriers in Rochdale, with those who face barriers into employment now being given the opportunity to adapt to working life through a scheme that identifies the challenges they face and works around their needs.

Julia Heap OBE, Principal and CEO at Hopwood Hall College, said: “Hopwood Hall College is so proud to be shortlisted for two categories at the Rochdale Diversity Awards.

Diversity is at the heart of our college and we champion inclusivity in all forms. Our bustling student community is made up of learners from more than 90 countries and we relish the opportunity to celebrate the many different cultures of those learning at our campuses in Middleton and Rochdale.

It’s here where students from all backgrounds and all walks of life can reach their full potential and take those all-important steps towards a brighter future. We have learners of all ages completing full-time and part-time courses, including popular apprenticeship pathways that allow people to start growing their careers with many of the leading employers in Rochdale and beyond.”

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