Greater Manchester

By the numbers

Our impact in Greater Manchester

¹ Statistic taken from data on 8,607 learners from 2017, valid as of October 2025.

² Statistic taken from an internal survey of 20 apprentices in Greater Manchester, conducted in Q2 2025, valid as of October 2025.

³ Statistic taken from data on 2,743 Greater Manchester employers from 2017, valid as of October 2025.

Central location

Greater Manchester is home to Kaplan's largest training hub outside London.

Since 2017, we've trained more than 8,500 professionals here, helping learners gain the knowledge, qualifications and skills they need to succeed - and, in turn, strengthening Greater Manchester's economy.

Fig 1. The front exterior of one of our Manchester-based training centres and offices

Alongside our learners, Kaplan has a significant presence as an employer in Greater Manchester. Across our two sites - St James on Oxford Road and Universal Square - we employ 230 people in a wide range of roles.

These offices house not only our local teaching teams but also national head office functions, including marketing, student services, logistics, credit control, and client support. By bringing these operations to Greater Manchester, we've created skilled jobs, supported career opportunities, and demonstrated a long‑term commitment to the region.

View Manchester training centre

Our role in professional development

Kaplan is recognised nationally for developing professional skills in priority sectors that are vital to Greater Manchester's growth - including accounting, financial services, data, and AI. Through training, apprenticeships, and qualifications, we help people at every stage of their career gain the expertise and skills local employers need most.

This commitment is also celebrated through the Kaplan Apprenticeship Awards, which will be hosted at the Lowry Theatre in Manchester in December 2025. The event shines a spotlight on the achievements of apprentices, line managers, and colleagues, reinforcing the city's importance as a centre for professional learning and future talent development.

Greater Manchester Index Vs Quarterly GDP growth

Fig 2. Quarterly Economic Survey via the GM Chamber of Commerce, data from the GM Quarterly Economic Briefing Q2 2025

With more than 8,500 professionals training with Kaplan in Greater Manchester, our impact extends well beyond the classroom. These learners go on to apply their skills in workplaces across the region, playing an active role in strengthening the Greater Manchester economy.

At Kaplan, we create clear pathways for young people and professionals to secure high-quality, well-paid jobs. Our programmes are designed to boost skills and confidence, ensuring learners are career-ready and well-equipped for opportunities in priority sectors.

We are equally committed to building inclusive workplaces and communities. Initiatives such as National Inclusion Week foster a sense of belonging and provide support for underrepresented groups, helping to ensure that opportunities in Greater Manchester are accessible to all.

Fig 3. Celebrating excellence! Niamh Clarke, PwC, (left) is the Level 4-7 Apprentice of the Year at the Greater Manchester Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025. Pictured with Jenny Pelling, Director of Skills and Strategy, Kaplan

Tackling skills shortages and supporting local employers

Kaplan is committed to supporting Greater Manchester's strategic growth plans to prepare the workforce for the new industrial revolution. Working with employers to address the local skills shortages and boost employment outcomes is a key focus for us, as we prepare a skilled and diverse workforce ready to meet Greater Manchester's dynamic economic growth needs.

By equipping individuals with the necessary expertise and fostering diversity, we aim to support Greater Manchester's thriving industries and contribute to its reputation as a vibrant economic hub.

We collaborate with a wide range of Greater Manchester based businesses, from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to large employers, providing professional skills development that empowers them to thrive in today's competitive market.

As Greater Manchester continues to establish itself as a global centre for cybersecurity and AI, Kaplan is proud to play a role in fostering innovation and economic growth in the region.

Kaplan's expertise in data and technology ensures that learners, businesses, and communities are equipped for a digital-first world. By harnessing our strength in data, technology and AI skills training, we help future-proof the workforce for the new industrial revolution shaped by artificial intelligence.

Our programmes are designed to bridge the digital skills gap — upskilling and reskilling residents so they gain the confidence and capabilities needed to thrive in the modern economy. Whether building data literacy, mastering new technologies, or developing AI-driven insights, Kaplan empowers people and places to stay connected, competitive, and ready for the future.