Apprentice Town

Chesterfield Borough Council named among Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers

Chesterfield Borough Council is celebrating after being named as one of the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in England.

The council placed 82nd in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers which ranks the very best of England’s large apprenticeship employers, with employers recognised for providing some of the most successful apprenticeship programmes over the previous 12 months.

Chesterfield Borough Council currently employs more than 40 apprentices and has done a lot of work to promote apprenticeships throughout the borough by demonstrating the value of apprenticeships and through its pioneering ‘Apprentice Town’ project.

Councillor Jean Innes, cabinet member for business transformation and customers, said: “I’m delighted that we have been recognised in this way for the work we do with apprentices. We were the first town in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town’ and we are committed to ensuring that young people in Chesterfield can build the skills and careers they want because this is key to ensuring that we are a thriving borough.

“We want Chesterfield to be a town where young people, businesses and parents think apprenticeship first and the council has to lead by example. That is why we have more than 40 apprentices working across the organisation in a wide range of disciplines including project management, legal services and commercial services.”

The council has apprentices working in almost every service area and they are helping ensure that the council has skilled individuals for the future.

Paul Davis, who is taking part in an apprenticeship programme with the council working towards a CIPFA Professional Qualification (Level 7), said: “I wanted to do the an apprenticeship with Chesterfield Borough Council because it allowed me to study further and to progress within my area of work. The apprenticeship gave me a greater understanding of the authority’s finances and management which I could apply directly to my everyday work for the council and enhance my future prospects with a globally recognised qualification.

“I would definitely recommend apprenticeships to other people as they are great way to learn and it provides you the opportunity to progress further in your career with the added benefit of not being left with a heavy burden of student debt at the end.”

Rachel O’Neil, assistant director for customers, commissioning and change, said: “I’m delighted that we have been recognised with this award for the work we do employing apprentices. Our apprenticeship programme provides the council with highly skilled individuals and in return help ensure they can build a career and a future they are proud of with the council.”

Miles Thirnwell, who recently completed a Housing/Property Management Level two apprenticeship with distinction whilst working for the council, said: “After leaving University this was a difficult time in terms of deciding on an alternative career path. However looking back, I am incredibly pleased with my decision of applying for an apprenticeship and despite the fact that they are often overlooked, they can provide an endless amount of opportunities and the provision of skills you need to develop in your desired career.

“My knowledge and skills were constantly progressing as I was always learning something new, whether this was in the office or whilst carrying out practical tasks throughout the borough. With Chesterfield Borough Council being eager to progress young employees and apprentices, this allowed my knowledge and experiences to develop even further as I was given access to training along with key college courses.”

Chesterfield Borough Council is just one of nine Local Government organisations to feature in the top 100.

Chesterfield Borough Council launched ‘Apprentice Town’ in 2017. It is run in partnership by Chesterfield Borough Council, Destination Chesterfield, the local business community, apprenticeship providers and The Apprentice Town steering group in order to raise awareness of apprenticeship activities and promote all aspects of apprenticeship provision.

2020 is the first year a ranking of the top 100 apprenticeship providers has been compiled. Find out more about ‘Apprentice Town’ here

apprentice town steering group

Posted in Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Derbyshire County Council offers free careers advice for those who need it

Derbyshire County Council says it is offering free careers advice to anyone who is aged over 19, or anyone who is 18 and not working or in education. They can ask for free advice on:

  • Training courses – including how to get funding
  • Career planning – including help to understand the current labour market, identifying skills, looking at new career paths and routes into employment
  • How to write a CV or update an existing one
  • How to write covering letters that will gain the attention of prospective employers
  • Helpful tips on finding new employment such as making the most of ‘Find a Job’, using social media and exploring the hidden labour market guidance on how to write an application form and relating it to a possible interview

Appointments are either offered on the phone, or by video call. Advice is also available by email or text.

Cabinet Member for Young People, Councillor Alex Dale said: “We can offer advice to those who may have been affected by the changes to the economy due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“If you have been made redundant and need help then please get in touch and our friendly and knowledgeable team can help you with your CV, offer advice on training, or suggest a change of career.
“There is government funding earmarked for training and job creation, and our team of career coaches can help you to find out more.”

The team can also offer advice on interview skills, including video interviews and advice on volunteering and work experience opportunities on offer across the county.

You can find out more by visiting the County Council’s website. Find out more about working in Chesterfield here. 

Chesterfield is the first town in the UK to declare itself an Apprentice Town – demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy by retaining and developing young talent in the town in order to attract more employers to invest here. Find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Rosewood Wealth Management take on new apprentice

Independent financial advisor Rosewood Wealth Management has added new apprentice, Abigail Denman to its team.

Whilst studying Level 3 Business at Chesterfield College, Abigail developed a passion for finance. Abigail’s ambitious attitude at the outset of her career in the sector, her engagement with analytical challenges, as well as her natural talent for business and finance made her the perfect candidate for Rosewood’s apprenticeship scheme.

Upon joining the company, Abigail said: “When I saw the opportunity of starting an apprenticeship with Rosewood, I was so excited as I saw this a chance to start my career in finance. Donna and Shannan have really embraced me into the team and provided me with all the support and a specialised finance apprenticeship provider to ensure my journey is a success. I am excited for what the future holds.”

According to the team at Rosewood: “On top of her skillset and dedication, what makes Abigail such a good fit is her friendly manner and bubbly personality. We’re sure that you will agree when you’re greeted at the office for your next appointment!”

Rosewood Wealth Management believe in providing all clients with a truly individualised independent financial advice service. Whether you are just starting your property journey and buying your first home, looking towards your first investment, saving for your future, exploring pension options or looking to enjoy your wealth, they are there to help and guide you. Rosewood was founded upon the fundamental principles of personal, intimate support and frank, honest advice tailored to the needs of the client.

They aim to help you achieve the best results from your financial planning by offering financial advice in all areas, including mortgages, investments, retirement advice, pensions, equity release, savings wealth management, and insurance.

You can find out more about the benefits of taking on an apprentice here

Rosewood Wealth Management supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , ,

Three young people shortlisted for top high street apprentice title

Later this month, one young person will be named as the town’s top high street apprentice at the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield.

Three apprentices working in high street businesses have been shortlisted for the prestigious Apprentice of the Year award, sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council).

Despite challenging times for businesses in the town, the hard work and dedication of three young people has stood out for their employers who have nominated them for the prestigious award.

Abi Ashmore, an Apprentice Accounts Assistant from Superior Spas in Brimington, Grace Blant, an Apprentice Legal Billing Secretary from Elliot Mather at St Mary’s Gate and Molly Bradbury, a Rents Assistant from Arvato in Chesterfield Town Hall, are all in the running for the top award.

Abi, Grace and Molly now join a 36-strong shortlist of businesses and individuals working on the town’s high street who have been shortlisted across 15 award categories.

Former Netherthorpe School pupil, Abi Ashmore joined Superior Spas after seeing the progression opportunities within the company. Through the apprenticeship she hopes eventually to fulfil her dreams of becoming an accountant.

Delighted to be shortlisted, Abi (18) said: “It feels very rewarding that my colleagues would nominate me for such an award. It shows that all the hard work I’ve put in throughout my time here has been recognised by my peers.”

Chris Bigden, Finance Manager at Superior Spas added: “Abi is an extremely hard-working and important member of our finance department here at Superior Spas. Her communication is outstanding with customers, especially for her age, and she always goes above and beyond for the business.”

Grace Blant (19), started her apprenticeship after leaving Brookfield Community School sixth form. She commented: “I’m delighted to be shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year. To be recognised in such a strong pool of talent has made me extremely confident with my progress so far.”

Following the completion of her apprenticeship Grace plans to undertake further qualifications, including a CILEx course which is a non-graduate route to qualification in law.

Libby Wood, Solicitor and LLP Member/Partner at Elliot Mather added: “We decided to take on an apprentice in the summer of 2019. This was a first for my department. I am delighted to say that Grace slotted into the team from the outset and has proven to be a real asset to the department and the business.”

Former Brookfield Community School pupil, Molly Bradbury (22) is a Level 3 apprentice with Arvato. She commented on being shortlisted: “I feel very proud to be shortlisted for this award as it shows appreciation from my managers and that all my hard work has led to something.”

Lindsey Phillips, Senior Rent Officer at Arvato commented: “I am so very proud of Molly as she is a huge asset to our department and is so deserving of this award. I have no doubt that Molly will continue to grow and I look forward to supporting and working with her in the future. She is an exceptional member of our team.”

Alongside the Apprentice of the Year title, the Chesterfield High Street Awards will also be honouring the town’s Apprentice Employer of the Year, sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group).

Superior Spas has also been shortlisted for the Apprentice Employer of the Year award alongside The Therapy Lounge based in Hasland.

The apprentice and apprentice employer award categories were introduced to the awards line-up in 2018 in order to commend the valuable contribution apprentices and apprenticeships make to Chesterfield’s high street.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, commented on the importance of the apprentice awards: “Apprenticeships have always been and continue to be an integral part of Chesterfield’s success as a town. After facing Covid-19 head-on, it’s vital for the town to focus on the future and how we can create a thriving high street together in this new environment – apprentice opportunities should be at the forefront of our plans.”

Covid-19 has not only delayed this year’s High Street Awards, but also led organiser Destination Chesterfield, to move the award ceremony online. Now in its seventh year, this is the first time the awards has been held virtually.

Usually held in June, the winners of the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards will be announced at an online awards ceremony on Wednesday 21 October.

Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator, who has organised this year’s virtual ceremony with the team added: “A bonus of taking the awards ceremony online means that we don’t have to limit numbers, which enables more people to celebrate the success of all the nominees. Pre-Covid we had to observe a very strict limit on numbers due to venue capacity and demand for tickets always outstripped the numbers permitted.”

Supporters of the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards include: Adorn Jewellers, Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), BRM Solicitors, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), eBusiness Works, Greatest Hits Radio (North Derbyshire), JP Fire Safety Solutions, Maybe*, The Pavements Shopping Centre, Q2 Creative and Redbrik Estate Agents.

For details of all shortlisted businesses and individuals in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards, visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/highstreetawards/.

Apprentice of the Year Finalists CHSA20

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Home

Educational support for in need Derbyshire pupils to continue

A flagship programme  to help young people in need engage fully with their education has been extended in schools across the county.

‘Raising Aspirations’ is delivered by Derbyshire Education Business Partnership (DEBP) and supports young people from years 6 to 13 who face multiple barriers in education.

The new contract will be managed by Bolsover Partnership on behalf of Derbyshire County Council for a further two academic years 2020 to 2021 and 2021 to 2022.

The programme provides intensive support to address the needs of each individual student so they can reach their full potential.

An employability worker supports each learner and small groups of learners to identify interests, goals and experiences that will help them to raise their aspirations.

Since 2015 the programme has reached in excess of 7,500 learners, with all Year 11 targeted participants moving onto positive Post-16 destinations in education, employment and training.

In addition, the Year 8 building resilience ‘Shine’ initiative delivered a social return on investment of £11.40 for every £1.00 spent in the academic year 2019 to 2020.

Raising Aspirations will be delivered in 2020 to 2021 across Derbyshire in partnership with:

  • 8 mainstream secondary schools
  • 5 Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) schools
  • 2 support centres
  • 5 primary schools

Clare Talati, Managing Director of DEBP, said:  “The ‘Raising Aspirations’ initiative has never had a one size fits all approach, it remains consistent in its aims and objectives, but is delivered in a vibrant, responsive and bespoke way, recognising the unique needs of the children, young people, schools and communities at its centre.

“A core element of the initiative is putting the taught curriculum into context and our amazing network of employer volunteers provide meaningful encounters and world of work experiences that assist young people to identify their skills and goals; motivating them to engage more fully with education so that they too can have a successful future, one that is not dependent on the long term support of services.

“The DEBP team are excited to continue this partnership and broaden the access to the programme so that we can support more children and young people to be the best that they can be.”

Derbyshire Education Business Partnership supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Raising Aspirations

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Home

GCSE students at Chesterfield College celebrate results

Students at Chesterfield College were celebrating GCSE success today after receiving the grades they need to progress with their studies and their careers.

The college supports students to improve or refresh the English, maths and biology GCSE grades they left school with. Many students study these subjects at the same time as studying vocational courses to boost their qualifications to help open up new career opportunities or options for higher level study.

Classes at college offer different ways of studying to a school environment to help students reach this goal. With smaller class sizes and a more practical approach to learning, students can develop the skills they need in new ways. This year, more students achieved their goal of a grade 4 or above across all three subjects compared to the previous year and 100% of biology students received the grades they needed.

After an anxious wait and an unusual end to the academic year, many students came back to college to collect results. They were eager to find out if their hard work and extra study had given them the results they needed.

Stephanie Bealing, was really happy when she opened her results to find she had the grade 4s she needed in English and maths. She said: “I started crying when I opened the envelope, I just couldn’t believe it! I’ve been getting 2s since I first did my GCSEs in 2017, every year I’ve resat and got 2s, it’s never been different until today. It’s been really hard this year as well so I didn’t expect to get these results, I’m so pleased that I’ve jumped up two grades.”

“The grade 4 in English and maths means that I can finally start my Level 3 plumbing here at college. I had to study an extra year to prove that I was capable of studying at Level 3 so getting these grades today makes me feel so much better. At the start of the pandemic I started giving up a little bit, I was shockingly bad at studying at home on my own, I missed having that social interaction and I was getting stressed when I didn’t understand something but my tutor Edie has been really supportive. We’ve had so many Zoom calls, she’s always been there for me. Now that I’ve passed, it’s given me hope again that I can be the plumber that I want to be. Then eventually I want to become a fully qualified gas engineer.”

Stephanie Bealing

Kieran Marriott, has put so much effort into his studies on the Kickstart programme so he was delighted when he opened his envelope to discover he had achieved a grade 5 in English. He said: “I am overwhelmed to be honest. I started college with a grade 2 in English and after a year at college I have got a grade 5. When I got my results after school I was devastated and I felt like I had let myself down. Now I’ve got it I feel like I can go on to do what I want to do now. I want to be a forensic scientist so I am coming back to college in September to study Public Services.”

Kieran Marriott

Jama Holden was very pleased to find out he had achieved a grade 5 in Maths: “The tutor support throughout my journey so far has been fantastic. With all of their support I’ve finally got there and achieved the grades I need. Next steps for me could well be a GCSE in Biology which I’m excited about. After 20 years in Royal Mail I finished work due to ill health and eventually decided to return to learning on the Access to HE for Health Professionals. Whilst it was daunting at first, that didn’t last long as I quickly realised how wonderful the support is here as well as the facilities and I’ve even become a Rep on the Students’ Union committee. The overall experience has really helped me regain my confidence.”

Jama Holden

David Malone, Deputy Principal officer at Chesterfield College said: “I am incredibly proud of all the students who have worked so hard to develop their maths, English and biology skills, often alongside other studies, juggling work and family life. We know how important these skills are to help people progress and secure a positive future in so many different careers.”

“It is wonderful to hear that so many of our students have been successful. I know many people collecting results here today may have had more than one attempt to get these qualifications and it is a testament to their resilience and determination that they now have the grades they need to progress. I hope it also demonstrates to school leavers, who might not have got the grades they were hoping for today, that they can achieve the grades they need alongside their other studies here at college.”

“Our message to anyone receiving GCSE results today, after the difficult few months and unusual circumstances surrounding exams, is that whatever your results it is vital to start the next stage of your education in September. We want to reiterate that their college place is safe and we are ready to get their learning off to a great start.”

A team of college advisors will be available to help GCSE students work out the best option for them, with a range of ways to access that support including:

  • over the phone on 01246 500500
  • via email at advice@chesterfield.ac.uk
  • via live chat on the college web site (available between 9am-5pm on results day)

The college has also reassured school leavers that applications are still open and there is still time to secure a place to start in September.

For more information visit the chesterfield College website here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Featured, Home

Virtual careers fair launched for Chesterfield and North Derbyshire school leavers

An innovative online careers and employability platform, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, has been launched today (20 August).

The launch has been timed to coincide with the release of the GCSE exam results, and whatever the outcomes, this platform is aimed at helping school leavers in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire make important decisions about their future amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

Developed by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield and the D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub, the My Future platform aims to provide free careers information to Year 11 and 13 young people.

The virtual careers fair platform aims to give young people across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire access to the widest range of high-quality careers advice, employment support, skills and educational programmes, by showcasing up to 100 businesses, education and training providers across 10 zones.

Using innovative 360expo software, the My Future platform has been developed in partnership with Chesterfield-based Oasis Studio. It has been created in just a few weeks in order to provide support for young people facing uncertainty in their future as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ahead of the launch, the D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub has worked with careers leaders from 21 schools and colleges across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, to reach out to all Year 11 and Year 13 school leavers encouraging them to access the My Future platform.

To encourage young people to visit the platform, the North Derbyshire Careers Hub is also giving away an iPad to one of the first visitors to the site who finds the golden spire which will be hidden within one of the virtual stands.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Whether you’re finishing GCSEs, A-Levels or college courses, what you have achieved this year is remarkable, especially given the extra challenges you have faced due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. Whatever your results are, you should be especially proud of yourself.”

“Now is the time to start thinking about the future and what that next step is, and the My Futures platform is the perfect way to get started.”

“My Future has led to a truly innovative digital platform that provides access to a wide range of careers advice, employment support, apprenticeships, skills and training programmes, all under one virtual roof. I hope that My Future will help young people to build the career and future that they want, so that we can continue to build a thriving borough together.”

James Brand, D2N2 LEP board member and Managing Director of United Cast Bar, a Chesterfield-based business which is featured in the engineering and manufacturing zone on the platform, said: “My Future is a fantastic platform which we were delighted to get involved with. It’s a great opportunity for businesses to reach out to young people during these challenging times. The platform will offer real support and guidance to school leavers who have been unable to access the careers information they would normally have had to help them make informed decisions about their future.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager explained: “Everyone has worked tremendously hard to get the platform up and running. We have been overwhelmed by the support and involvement of businesses and training providers to make My Future happen and support local school leavers during this challenging time.”

D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub Lead Dan Heffernan said: “In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to ensure our young people are given high quality and relevant transitions support.  My Future will ensure that we continue to inspire our future workforce, give them advice on their future career prospects, and showcase the types of next steps that are available.

“On behalf of D2N2 LEP I want to thank all of the organisations that have contributed to this project so far, all of whom are helping to transform the skills and employability agenda across North Derbyshire.”

There are around 100 virtual exhibition pods active on the platform across 10 zones, including careers and transition, regeneration, enterprise and employment support, digital and technology, engineering and manufacturing, financial and professional services, health, community and public service, property and construction, logistics and distribution and tourism, hospitality and retail.

Young people can take control of their future by visiting My Future and learning about the many opportunities available to them at www.myfuture.org.uk from Thursday 20 August. The mobile app can also be downloaded here.

My Future Virtual Careers Platform

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home

Chesterfield College students celebrate A Level and Vocational course results

Chesterfield College students had plenty to celebrate when they collected their final A Level and Vocational results today.

After an unusual academic year and a nervous wait, students opened envelopes to find out how they had been graded without sitting exams. The college’s achievement and pass rates across academic and vocational courses mean the majority of students were delighted to find out they had the results they needed to progress on to further study or into employment.

With a 100% A Level pass rate and 76% of students receiving A*to C grades, along with a record number of the highest grades of A* to B, many students have secured their first choice university places.

A Level students returned to the college’s Sixth Form hub, in the former grammar school on Sheffield Road, for the first time since the college closed its doors at the beginning of lockdown to collect results. Students on vocational courses were also invited back to the college to collect results. This was the perfect opportunity to see familiar faces after several month of virtual learning, albeit with social distancing and safety measures in place.

Megan Ward, was delighted when she opened her results to discover she had an A in Psychology, an A in English and a C in Criminology. She said: “My psychology grade is what I expected and I’m so happy with the A in English, it’s great to see my hard work over the last two years has meant that I’ve shot up two grades. I wasn’t too stressed until last night, I couldn’t sleep until 2am but I just kept trying to tell myself not to worry about it because I can’t change what’s on the paper. I’m now going to study Psychology at the University of Brighton and eventually I want to pursue a career in the subject because I really enjoy it. I’m looking forward to going out for a meal with my family tonight to celebrate.”

Megan Ward

History and Philosophy student Olivia Laiken said: “I am so excited! I didn’t sleep at all last night. Getting an A and a B means I can go my first choice university and get where I want to be. I’ve got a place at Durham University to study History which is exactly where I want to be! It has been a nerve-racking wait. When you do an exam you can tell how it goes on the day but without that we didn’t really know how it was going to go. After my mocks I put so much extra work in and got lots of support from my tutor so I am glad that has paid off.”

Olivia Laiken

Students who collected vocational results across a range of subjects from media and digital technologies to construction and vehicle technology. They explained how it felt to finally know their results and what is next for them.

William Hughes, who received a Triple distinction* in Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT (Games, Application and Web Development) said: “I wasn’t too anxious about getting the results today because I knew I had a confirmed place at university but I am still happy to know that I did get my expected grades. I am going to Sheffield Hallam to study games programming next year. I had finished most of my work before lockdown and I only had a few things to left to do so it hasn’t been too difficult but I was wondering how our two years of work would be graded. I look forward to celebrating and relaxing now I know.”

William Hughes

Sophie Gribbin-Gabitas got an A* in NCFE CACHE Level 3 Technical certificate in Childcare and Education. She said: “It’s a nice relief getting these results after working through lockdown. All that extra effort has definitely paid off. Getting this grade means I can start my university place at Sheffield Hallam to study teaching. I didn’t quite get the A Level grades I needed from school last year so they deferred my place and asked me to get some more UCAS points. I came to college to do a top up year and I really wanted to do well. I have tried my best this year and I am pleased it shows in my grade.”

Sophie Gribbin-Gabitas

Jo Kershaw, Director of Business Professional and Service Industries at Chesterfield College said:
“Congratulations to all our students who have worked incredibly hard this year, before and after lockdown. They should be very proud of their results. The hard work and commitment they have put into their studies throughout the year will help many of them move onto university-level study or into their chosen careers. I also want to thank our tutors for supporting students to achieve in challenging circumstances.”

“We know it has been a very different end to the academic year than any of us had planned but it is important we celebrate what our students have achieved over the entirety of their course and focus on the opportunities that this brings for them. It was good to have students back in college to celebrate with them today. Our priority now is to ensure we support students with their next steps and get the new academic year off to a great start with quality teaching in a safe space. We are looking forward to welcoming new and returning students in September. ”

Chesterfield College open days

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Featured, Home

Chesterfield College cookery student named South African Young Chef of the Year

Chesterfield College professional cookery student, William Joynes, has been named as the South African Young Chef of the Year after winning a national competition organised by South African deciduous fruit growers, Hortgro.

His skills and the effort he put into the competition means he will go on a trip to South Africa to learn from some of country’s top celebrity chefs.

In the first round of the competition, organisers asked young UK chefs to submit a main course showcasing South African stone fruit. Before lockdown, William and his fellow students, George Allen and Jake Parkin worked in the Chesterfield College kitchens to develop mouth-watering dishes to enter the competition. All three of them impressed judges with their entries and were shortlisted as finalists back in February.

They were due to travel to London to complete a cook-off final at High Timber restaurant, but the COVID-19 pandemic meant this stage of the competition was cancelled. Organisers later resurrected the competition and asked finalists to create a video to demonstrate how they would cook a dessert with a list of ingredients.

William worked with a former Chesterfield College media student to produce a video of him making a South African milk tart with a cinnamon crumb and a caramel apple sorbet. His choice of dish, his creative combination of ingredients and his skill in the kitchen made him stand out and he was named as the winner of the competition last week.

He will travel to Franschhoek in South Africa, as soon as travel restrictions are lifted, to join celebrity chefs, Reuben Riffel and John Norris-Rogers, Head Chef at La Petite Colombe. He will be fully involved in the running of two award-winning restaurants, gain a deeper understanding of how each operation works, and develop his knowledge of South African fine dining.

Jacques du Preez, Hortgro’s General Manager for Trade and Markets: “William produced two superb competition entries. Both dishes demonstrated a great deal of skill, a clear understanding of the brief and he showcased South African stone and top fruit perfectly. William should be incredibly proud of himself and South Africa’s top chefs are looking forward to hosting his stage.”

William told us how he developed his dishes and how it felt when he found out he had won: “I did some research on South African dishes and I used the knowledge I had built up from working in the fine dining restaurant Rafters in Sheffield, as well as the skills we learnt at college, to develop the dishes. I added my own flair with my knowledge of different techniques and the ingredients we had to work with.”

He added: “It was just amazing when I found out I’d won. When my tutor called to tell me I was absolutely ecstatic. It was good to get that feedback from professional chef judges.  I am really looking forward to the trip to South Africa. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn about South African cuisine and get unique industry experience that will help me as I start to build my career.”

William’s tutor, Ian Matthews, who supported the students to enter the competition and ensured they had time to develop their dishes, said: “These competitions are a fantastic way for students to extend their skills. It is wonderful to see how each of the entrants from Chesterfield College approached the competition and it is a pleasure to support them to try new things in our training kitchens.

He added: “They worked really hard in difficult circumstances and continued to compete from home during lockdown. The fact that they were all finalists is down to their hard work and passion. I am very proud of them all and everyone at college sends congratulations to William. We look forward to hearing about his adventures in South Africa.”

Chesterfield College supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Featured, Home, Leisure

Derbyshire students prepare to receive their A level and GCSE results

Thousands of students across Derbyshire are preparing to receive their A level and GCSE results.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield

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.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Home

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