Greater Manchester Combined Authority

& Think Employment Partnership

Creating opportunities and building skills in Greater Manchester

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), established in 2011, drives progress across Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside, Trafford, and Wigan.

Collaborating with trusted partners like Think Employment, GMCA tackles local workforce challenges, boosts employability, and supports thriving economies.

At Think Employment, we’re proud to offer government-funded, Ofsted-approved training aligned with GMCA’s goals. Our courses help bridge skills gaps and prepare learners for Greater Manchester’s evolving workforce needs. From Data Analytics to Level 2 Customer Service, our programmes empower learners to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

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Manchester Bee Think Employment's presence in Manchester

Greater Manchester is brimming with opportunities

Known for its innovation, cultural diversity, and rich history, Greater Manchester is a dynamic region with challenges like skills shortages and unemployment disparities. At Think Employment, we aim to break these barriers with flexible training that equips learners to take charge of their future.

Greater Manchester Demographics and Economy

Greater Manchester is home to 2.86 million people and has a vibrant economy alongside challenges like youth unemployment, skills shortages, and economic inactivity. Think Employment tackles these issues by providing flexible training programs, enabling adult learners and career changers to upskill and strengthen the regional workforce.

Digital Technology & Business

Greater Manchester leads innovation but faces a shortage of data, cybersecurity, and business support professionals. Our digital and business skills courses equip learners with the vital expertise needed to thrive in high-demand sectors such as customer service, administration, and tech.
Think Employment supports Greater Manchester’s growth and workforce development by fostering skills and creating opportunities.

Think Employment's Training Approach​

At Think Employment, we understand the power of education to change lives. That’s why we focus on providing Ofsted-approved courses designed with flexibility and personalisation, ensuring learners from all walks of life can achieve their goals. Whether you’re unemployed, switching careers, or upskilling for high-demand roles, we support your success.

Highlights of our programmes:

Courses and qualifications offered in Greater Manchester

Functional Skills and Business

Functional Skills Maths

LEVEL 1 & 2

These courses build foundational numeracy skills.

Customer Service

LEVEL 2

Gain the expertise to protect digital systems and organisations against modern cyber threats.

Certificate in Business Admin

LEVEL 2

Provides essential administrative skills, including document management and communication techniques.

Digital Technology

Level 3 Diploma in Digital Marketing

LEVEL 3

Develops expertise in SEO, content creation, social media management, and tools like Google Analytics.

Level 3 Certificate in Data Analytics

LEVEL 3

Teaches data management, analysis, and visualisation using Excel, SQL, Power BI, and Python.

Level 3 Cyber Security

LEVEL 3

This course provides essential knowledge and practical skills to protect organisations from cyber threats. It covers threat analysis, data protection, network security, and ethical hacking.

Level 2 Cyber Security

LEVEL 2

Builds a strong network security and data protection foundation.

Fostering a fair and thriving future for
Greater Manchester

At Think Employment, our partnership with GMCA goes beyond education. Together, we work to address equality gaps, employment challenges, and skills shortages that impact the region. By investing in people, we create stronger communities.

Highlights of our impact:

  • 1.
    Delivering digital marketing training to meet workforce demands.
  • 2.
    Supporting career-switching adults with customer service and business admin programmes.
  • 3.
    Strengthening borough economies through accessible training in Manchester, Bolton, and beyond.
  • 4.
    Our goal is simple but impactful—to improve opportunities for learners while driving growth in Greater Manchester businesses.

Why Think Employment is your trusted education partner in Greater Manchester

What makes us different?

Take the first step today

Whether you’re starting your career, changing direction, looking to upskill with online courses, or businesses looking to grow their workforce, Think Employment provides the tools and support to help you succeed.

Shape your future with Think Employment and explore funded courses through GMCA designed for today’s learners and tomorrow’s challenges.