Local Labour MP reopens Chesterfield training academy
Local training provider GBS celebrated their 10th Birthday on Thursday 16th July with the re-opening of their Chesterfield academy by Labour MP Toby Perkins.
The Academy had been temporarily closed following the government lockdown announcement on 23rd March, and since then GBS have adopted a remote working method with all of their programmes to ensure minimal disruption to the learning opportunities for local learners.
Adhering to social distancing measures, a small number of representatives from local employers and key stakeholders, as well as members of the Chesterfield Borough Council were in attendance. National engineering company ERIKS Industrial Services were also present, who are working in partnership with GBS to utilise their apprenticeship levy to invest in their current workforce and employment of entry-level recruits on apprenticeships in Engineering, Professional Services and IT & Digital.
Local Labour MP for Chesterfield and Shadow Minister for Apprenticeships and Lifelong Learning, Toby Perkins, was delighted to cut the ribbon during the intimate ceremony, officially opening the doors to local apprentices: “In terms of the economic challenges that are facing the country at the moment, apprenticeships have never been more important. To have an organisation based here in Chesterfield that is performing on the national stage, and on the local stage, providing excellent quality learning for young people around the town and bringing the next generation through is exactly what we want. Congratulations on the ten years and on re-opening and surviving this far through the very tough Covid period. It is my great pleasure to declare these premises open”.
Penny Guard, Director for Quality and co-founder of family-run GBS, thanked everyone for their support during the day: “Thank you to everyone who not only organised the meeting, but travelled from as far as London to be here with us on what is a key milestone for GBS. Although recent events have meant a slight shift in delivery, the team have worked hard to ensure we are still delivering high-quality training to the future workforce, and we hope we can continue to support young people back into work and ensuring employers have the right skillsets within their businesses to thrive.”
To understand more about the governments recent apprenticeship incentives, or for a a free consultation with the GBS team, please contact GBS by calling 01246 925 923 or emailing info@gbs-ltd.co.uk
GBS supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
