Last week marked the launch of the pioneering Oldham MEGA Scholarship, operated by IN4 Group. Oldham became the first borough in Greater Manchester to establish a MEGA Hub, leading the way in boosting digital technology skills, improving academic attainment, and securing the very best post-18 career destinations.

The event was attended by global tech firms, local industry and council representatives alongside 84 young people from the Greater Manchester town.

They took part in assessment centre-style activities, including soft skills tasks, introduction to coding and had the opportunity to speed network with tech and cyber industry professionals.

All participants were in the running for a MEGA scholarship, providing a £1,000 bursary, access to mentorship, industry placements, and a cyber security qualification contributing towards UCAS points.

A key part of the MEGA hubs initiative across Lancashire and Greater Manchester is the role of industry partners, including IBM, BT, KPMG UK, Northrop Grumman, CGI, QinetiQ and Roke. They provide critical visibility for students while affording real-world experiences and the opportunity to network.

Neil Thomas, Senior Managing Consultant at IBM said, “It’s absolutely fantastic that we have got this in the North West; right on our doorstep.This should be part of the core offering now, across the country for sure.

“I have seen the good it’s done in the North West, we should be replicating this nationally.”

The future looks promising for the young minds gathered in the room, inspired by the powerful words of industry professionals and local leaders. The spirit of ‘we can become what we aspire to be’ echoes throughout the historic Ram Mill Business Centre, blending Oldham’s proud industrial heritage with its dynamic, tech-driven future.

Cllr Mohon Ali, Cabinet Member for Education & Skills at Oldham Borough Council, said “We really believe in our young people, we believe that investing in their future is essential; our goal is to support the next generation of innovators. It’s a great opportunity and paves the pathway.

“We are really excited to be the first adopters in Greater Manchester. It’s about creating opportunities for young people, having access to the biggest employers and developing their skills in AI and cyber security.

“We thank IN4 Group for their partnership with us to support our young people.”

The energy and excitement in the room was electric. Students who had never previously considered a career in tech were now openly discussing how the day had reshaped their ambitions for the future — a sentiment shared by Jon Bloor, Assistant Director of Employment and Skills at Oldham Council.

“Today has been absolutely wonderful, it’s been very energising” he said, “to see the energy from the young people and how excited they were, it was truly motivational.

“It’s opened their minds and eyes to what’s available in a growing sector, especially in a place like Oldham. They can now seek active career pathways, and the scholarship plays that role.

“It’s really important we engage with organisations like IN4 Group, it’s a real opportunity and growth area, but it’s not easy to break into. It’s through days like this, where they can network and engage with companies in the industry who are really interested in their ideas.”

The day ended on a closing speech from Eddie Moores, the Mayor of Oldham, he talked directly to the young people assembled, inspiring them to make Oldham ‘proud.’

“The next generation is in the fastest moving environment this world has probably ever known. The pace of change is terrific. You need to grasp that and take it on board and be part of that.

“We need as adults, in education and business, to find clear pathways and targets that young people can aspire to.

“Skills in the technology sector are so important in the current and future landscape. By equipping our young people with these tools, we can give them the skills they need to go far and do Oldham proud. I am sure all of you in this room will do just that.”

Already proving successful in Lancashire, the first county in the UK to introduce the MEGA Hub programme, plans are underway to expand across the rest of Greater Manchester and the North West.

Are you a local business looking to invest in the future of young people in technology and be part of a truly inspiring programme? Get in touch here.