Leading the journey to a work ready Greater Manchester

What is Bridge GM?

We want Greater Manchester to be a successful and prosperous region for future generations, to do this we need to nurture the talents of our young people and connect and prepare them for the exciting opportunities in the labour market.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority is growing the largest network of business, education leaders and careers professionals to provide young people with a careers programme fit for the 21st Century.

No one business, school/college or individual can achieve this alone. GMCA believes that bringing everyone together with one common purpose will increase the chance of success for all of our young people.

Bridge is the engagement tool that underpins this ambition.

Bridge GM needs you!

Quality interactions with employers are vital for the future success of Greater Manchester’s young people.

Colleagues from across the region are connecting industry to education and we need your help! Whether you work in an SME or a multinational corporation we want to hear from you!

We have several opportunities for you to support our young people, from offering strategic support to schools and colleges, supporting industry links within the curriculum to providing inspirational activities.

For more information on our work and how you, or your business, can get involved please get in touch...

Get in touch

I am an employer

Find out how you or your business can commit to supporting Greater Manchester’s young people, and Bridge the gap between the classroom and the boardroom.

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I am an education provider

Find out how your school or college can connect with Greater Manchester’s business community, access a variety of resources and bring your curriculum subjects alive.

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I am a provider of careers activity

Find out how your organisation can work with schools, colleges and Greater Manchester’s business community.

2000+ young people each year in express an interest in pursuing an Apprenticeship in GM at 16.

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The Mayor of Greater Manchester and partners are inviting businesses to commit to supporting 1000 work shadowing opportunities for young people. The Meet Your Future campaign aims to increase the number of workplace experiences available for young people in schools and colleges from across Greater Manchester. This is a great opportunity for businesses to engage in our work and learn more about how they can support schools and colleges in delivering high quality careers programmes. Learn a little more here.

Over the last six months, Bridge GM has grown and gathered momentum. We are delighted to have welcomed five new Enterprise Coordinators to the Bridge GM team taking us to a total of nine covering all 10 local authorities. Each Coordinator will support schools and colleges to develop strong relationship with the business community in order to implement the Gatsby Benchmarks for good CEIAG. Find your local Enterprise Coordinator and meet the team here

Bridge GM would like to welcome back all of Greater Manchester’s schools and colleges, we hope you have had a fantastic summer break and are feeling refreshed and ready for the new academic year. We are delighted to be working with you once again and we have some exciting developments that you can expect over the course of 2018/2019. This will include a continuation of our CPD programme for Careers Leaders from all secondary schools and colleges within Greater Manchester. We will put all dates on the calendar so keep an eye out or get in touch to find out more.

How is Bridge helping Greater Manchester?

Over £2million invested in Careers and Apprenticeship Information Advice and Guidance in GM over the last 3 years.

2000+ young people each year express an interest in pursuing an Apprenticeship in GM at 16.

184,000 – target for number of apprenticeship starts in GM by 2020.

GM employers more likely to hire 16-18 year olds and offer apprenticeships compared to other areas.

Progression of 16 and 17 year olds into FE in GM is 83%, compared to only 4.7% to Apprenticeships.

67% of secondary schools across GM are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.

More than 160 schools in GM are working towards a quality mark in CEIAG.

Digital skills are among the most in demand in GM.

News & Updates

From fantastic events, to new policies, keep up to date with all things Bridge or join the conversation and follow us on Twitter

Bridge GM round up of 2018

2018 has been a pivotal year in Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance, and Greater Manchester is leading the way in implementing the national Careers Strategy to make a tangible difference to young people's lives at a local level.

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ONE THOUSAND YOUNG PEOPLE TO GET NEW WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN GREATER MANCHESTER

One thousand young people will have new work opportunities thanks to a new initiative planned by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.

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