Alliance Learning, Bolton celebrates 60th anniversary

Alliance Learning, based at Horwich Business Park on Chorley New Road, was founded back in 1966 and has been seen thousands of learners pass through its doors ever since.

Having been ranked “good” across all areas in its most recent Ofsted inspection in June 2024, Alliance Learning now employs more than 50 people, having started with just five.

Chief executive officer Dave Haslam said: “Our 60th anniversary is more than a milestone, it is a celebration of every learner, educator, partner, and employer who has been part of our journey.”

“For six decades, we have believed that learning changes lives.

Staff and learners are celebrating the milestone year (Image: University of Greater Manchester)

“That belief continues to drive everything we do as we look toward the future.”

 The anniversary year has and will feature a series of events, alumni spotlights, and partner collaborations designed to honour the organisation’s legacy while inspiring the next generation of learners.

 As part of the University of Greater Manchester, formerly known as the University of Bolton, group Alliance Learning had more than 300 learners at the time of its last inspection.

Generations of people have honed their skills with Alliance Learning (Image: University of Greater Manchester)

More than half of those learners have been between 16 and 18 years old.

It has been providing apprentices with training in engineering, administration and business management for around 150 employers, mainly based in the North West.

Staff and learners are now planning several ways of marking its milestone year.

Alliance Learning has taught skills to generations of people over 60 years (Image: University of Greater Manchester)

This will feature a series of events, alumni spotlights, and partner collaborations designed to honour the organisation’s legacy while inspiring the next generation of learners.

Anniversary events will also include special celebrations to recognise long-serving staff and showcase learner success stories.

The celebrations will aim to highlight the contributions of employers and community partners who have supported Alliance Learning over the decades.

Leading figures at the group say that as industries evolve and technology changes they hope to stay at the forefront of innovation, inclusion, and opportunity.

Alliance Learning operations executive officer Jonathan Wetherby said: “Education is not just about gaining knowledge, it is about building confidence, creating opportunities, and strengthening communities.

“As we celebrate 60 years, we are also looking ahead with excitement and ambition for what the future holds.”