AN online apprenticeships site has been launched to support and inspire students.

As the new academic year kicks off, the This is Me portal, launched by the Greater Manchester Apprenticeship Company (GMAC), will be exclusively available to students at Bury College and the other nine members of the partnership.

It will provide students with 24-hour support and access to a range of resources including help building a CV, video-based mock interviews, tips from employers and a hub of live vacancies in the region.

The portal will integrate with the partners’ own virtual learning environments providing seamless support for students planning their next steps.

The GMAC partnership, which launched in June, is a new collaboration between nine colleges from the Greater Manchester Colleges Group (GMCG), and leading training provider The Skills Company. Funded through the Greater Manchester Apprenticeship Hub City Deal programme on behalf of the GMCA, the partnership aims to contribute to GM’s Apprenticeship Strategy to drive the quality and volume of apprenticeship opportunities through the provision of excellent support and advice to young people.

Fresh off the back of GCSE results day, This is Me will support learners across the partnership as they consider their next stage of training or education, showcasing apprenticeships as a great way to get ahead in the career stakes.

Charlie Deane, principal of Bury College, said: “The opportunities available in Greater Manchester right now are extraordinary, and it is more important than ever that students and employers take advantage of this. At Bury College, our advice, guidance and support is always focussed on the needs of the individual to make sure they pursue the programme that’s right for them. This portal provides our partnership and potential apprentices across Greater Manchester with an additional tool to help even more individuals pursue their chosen career”.

Theresa Grant, Head of Skills & Employment for Greater Manchester and chief executive at Trafford Council, said: “An apprenticeship is a great opportunity to find your way into the workplace. By taking on an apprenticeship you can learn vital skills, qualifications and earn a wage. It is a gateway to setting yourself up for a successful and satisfying career and I am pleased to see this unique collaboration of Greater Manchester providers working together to launch the superb This is Me site for students.”

For more information about the portal and GMAC contact the project lead Helen Hawxwell at gmac@apprenticeshipgrowth.co.uk or find @ThisismeGMAC on Twitter & Instagram.