Apprentice Town

Chesterfield barbers named in the UK’s best apprentice employers for 3rd consecutive year

A barber shop in Chesterfield town centre has been recognised nationally as one of the best apprentice employers, for the 3rd year in a row.

Less Than Zero Barbers, established in Chesterfield in 2017 has been named in the Institute For Apprenticeships Top 50 SME employer list for the company’s commitment to its team.

The list, which was announced on 25th July 2024, celebrates England’s outstanding small & medium-sized apprenticeship employers, recognising their commitment to creating new apprenticeships, the diversity of their apprentices, and the number of apprentices who successfully achieve their apprenticeships.

The rankings are produced annually by the Department for Education, in partnership with High Fliers Research, who independently assess and rank the nation’s top apprenticeship employers

Martin Wallis-Keyworth the owner of Less Than Zero said: “We have always taken the formal training of new and existing staff extremely important and have always ensured people not only grow in the barbering skills but also in other skills such as training, assessing and teaching and have all those skills in the business to NVQ L5.”

Investing in people is obviously having a positive effect on the business as it’s grown year on year since its formation and is consistently scored on social media at a 4.9/5 which is always a good sign especially when you consider the amount of reviews the business has.

Martin went on to say: “Moving forward we have formulated a strategy and business plan to expand the business further and this will be achieved by leveraging the amazing team we have and their new skill set and also will help us grow a larger talent pool to help in that expansion. We would be unable to this if it hadn’t been for the training and development of the team.”

Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive National Hair and Beauty Federation added: “It’s fantastic to see one of our NHBF members being recognised in the Top 50 SME Employer list for the third consecutive year. Having previously worked alongside Martin Wallis-Keyworth in the trailblazer groups for the Barbering apprenticeship, I have firsthand experience of his commitment to excellence and professional development.

“Less Than Zero Barbers’ consistent appearance on this prestigious list is a testament to their unwavering dedication to team growth and the barbering profession as a whole. Their approach to investing in their staff’s skills, not just in barbering but also in training, assessing, and teaching, sets a remarkable example for our industry.

“Martin’s strategy of leveraging his team’s expanded skill set for business growth is exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach we champion at NHBF. It’s clear that their investment in people is paying dividends, as evidenced by their year-on-year growth and outstanding customer satisfaction ratings.

“We’re proud to have businesses like Less Than Zero Barbers as part of our membership. They exemplify the values of continuous improvement and staff development that are crucial for the future of our industry. We look forward to seeing their continued success and the positive impact they’ll undoubtedly have on the barbering profession as they expand.”

Nick Hogan, Destination Chesterfield Board Member said: “A big congratulations to Less Than Zero for gaining this recognition once again. We know that businesses across our town are playing a key role in supporting our young people to gain key skills which set them up for a rewarding career. Ensuring we have high level skills in our workforce is vital to the economy, so it is pleasing that the work being done by a local business has been highlighted at a national level.”

Looking for support to upskill your workforce, or to take on and develop an apprentice? Find out more on our business support pages here.

LessThanZero1

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Chesterfield manufacturers encouraged to inspire future talent as businesses celebrate 10 years of innovative scheme

Businesses are gearing up to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the renowned Made in Chesterfield initiative, which brings together schools and local firms to close skills gaps in the town.

Designed to spark interest in manufacturing, engineering, and construction careers among young people, the campaign offers a unique opportunity for businesses in those key sectors to inspire the future workforce.

Destination Chesterfield is seeking companies to participate in this year’s Made in Chesterfield scheme. By engaging with school pupils, your business can offer firsthand insights into the exciting career paths within these crucial sectors.

Celebrating a decade of partnership and collaboration, the Made in Chesterfield campaign will run throughout October 2024.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership, and supported by Chesterfield College Group, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire North Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, and NatWest, the campaign has a proven track record of success.

Since 2014, over 3,500 students have explored career opportunities in the area’s manufacturing, engineering, and construction sectors.

Chesterfield College Group, the project’s headline sponsor, has witnessed a surge in students enrolling in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) subjects, underscoring the campaign’s significant impact.

Julie Richards OBE, CEO of Chesterfield College Group, shared: “Supporting Made in Chesterfield aligns with our mission to connect students with employers, providing inspiration and creating opportunities for successful careers. Our Engineering, Manufacturing, and Science Centre and involvement in the town’s new Construction Skills Hub highlight our dedication to providing the best career opportunities for young people in engineering and construction.”

Ivan Fomin, Director at MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield Board Member, emphasised the importance of the initiative: “With an ageing workforce creating a skills gap in manufacturing, it’s crucial to cultivate new talent. These tours and interactions give young people invaluable insights into the promising careers in STEM fields.”

Clare Talati, CEO of Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP), added: “We are thrilled to continue supporting Made in Chesterfield, facilitating connections between employers and young people. This initiative provides meaningful experiences, raising awareness of local opportunities and helping employers meet potential future employees.”

Don’t miss this chance to contribute to Chesterfield’s future. Learn more about how your business can get involved with Made in Chesterfield by visiting https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/ or contacting Direct Education Business Partnership at madeinchesterfieldvisits@debp.org.

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Educators and employers address regional skills challenges

Challenges in recruitment and skills across our region’s businesses have been recently highlighted at East Midlands Chamber’s annual People and Skills summit.

The event brought together 200 delegates from the business community and education sector, and hosted a series of talks, keynote speakers and workshops.

The summit was centred around the Chamber’s Manifesto for Growth 2024 – which outlines a set of policy asks for the next government to consider.

Speakers at the summit included: Professor Baback Yazdani, Executive Dean of Nottingham Business School; Kate Lee, Talent & Resourcing Manager, Samworth Brothers; Emma Kwiatkowski, Director, Hays; Craig Brothers, Vice President, East Midlands Chamber; Laura Shepherd, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Loughborough College and Dr Gareth Thomas, Managing Director, Skills and Employment Support Ltd.

East Midlands Chamber Head of Special Projects Richard Blackmore said: “Reforming skills is an essential ingredient to economic growth and all the research we conduct with businesses in the East Midlands – like our latest Quarterly Economic Survey where 66% of respondents in the region reported difficulties recruiting staff – has underlined the need to address the issue. The East Midlands People and Skills summit is one of the ways the Chamber can get right into the heart of the issues faced by businesses, breaking them down and finding solutions to overcome each hurdle.

“Candidate needs are evolving, while factors like technology advance just as quickly. Businesses need to ready themselves for emerging technology like AI and what that might mean for the skills candidates might need in the future. Workplaces need to be attractive to new recruits and be open minded to finding ways to match their needs with those of prospective employees. That can mean consideration of things like having a strong Corporate and Social Responsibility policy, offering employees the opportunity to engage with communities and charities, for example.

“If we can pinpoint the sticking blocks in skills, recruitment and retention, we can fix them and that’s why it’s so important that businesses and educators engage with each other, to solve staffing issues both now and in the future.”

Chesterfield businesses are encouraged to find out more about upskilling their workforce by contacting Chesterfield Borough Council’s Skills Brokerage Service.

More information about the service can be found at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/

Delegates stood on stage at the Chamber people and skills summit 2024

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New partnership announced by Redbrik to support young people in business

Chesterfield estate agent Redbrik has announced a unique and innovative partnership with football training academy EVO Soccer.

The two organisations have joined together to enhance community engagement and support youth development in both sport and business.

The two-year partnership will see the organisations focus on supporting the development of EVO students through work placements and apprenticeships across the Redbrik Group, which includes Redbrik Estate Agents and PR and marketing agency, Chapter II.

Each year, Redbrik will offer up to two apprenticeships and four work placement opportunities for EVO students, providing them with experience in sales, marketing, event management and business operations.

The collaboration will also support Redbrik’s community engagement and CSR initiatives by co-hosting an annual community football tournament to raise funds for the Redbrik Foundation, which supports local charities.

The Redbrik logo will feature on EVO kits and training gear, and as part of the agreement, Chapter II will support EVO with its PR and marketing initiatives.

Dean Mabson, Managing Director of the Evo Group, said: “This is a fabulous partnership for our students. Our mission is to enhance and develop children’s lives through sport, and this collaboration offers a wonderful opportunity for those who want to learn more about business to do so with a great local company that is hugely innovative and dedicated to improving its industry.”

Managing Director of Redbrik, Mark Ross, added: “Redbrik is delighted to support the students of EVO in gaining opportunities in a work environment as they look to transition from education to employment and consider their future careers. EVO is an incredible environment for learning and development, and we look forward to welcoming its students to our business.”

Redbrik supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Evo x Redbrik

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Chesterfield College to host new digital skills courses for local people

A new training course is being launched by Chesterfield College to ensure more young people in the town are equipped with digital skills for the workplace.

The online course will enable people in the area to learn essential skills for the workplace through online learning via Microsoft Teams, helping to improve job prospects and skill levels across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

With new courses starting on 29th April, 24th June, 19th August and 14th October, there is plenty of opportunity for people to upskill for their dream job, gain the confidence to launch an apprenticeship, or take the next step in their education.

The Level 1 course is free to most learners, dependent on personal circumstances or income. Over the six weeks, the College will empower learners with the skills needed to make those first steps – creative and digital skills that are essential and in high demand in today’s workplace.

Learners will even be shown how to use cutting edge skills on social media, such as TikTok and Instagram, harnessing their business potential.

James Dietsch, Lecturer & Digital Innovation Coordinator at Chesterfield College’s Department of Digital, commented: “The Level 1 Digital Course is a great program that can benefit the local community of Chesterfield in many ways. If you are returning to education and want to retrain in an exciting industry or top up existing skills.

“Expect to learn a variety of different skills from creativity in digital to enhancing workplace power skills such as teamwork. problem-solving and communication.

“As well as developing an effective progression plan with setting goals for the next milestone. The course helps power learners and can bring useful digital first skills to local businesses.”

To find out more about the course and register your place, go to the Chesterfield College website.

Chesterfield College supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Front of white main Chesterfield College reception building, glass windows and hint of green around the doors

Chesterfield College, Infirmary Road, Chesterfield

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Local Youth Voice Ambassadors take centre stage at the Connected Futures Youth Led Event in Birmingham

Representatives from the East Midlands Connected Futures partnership attended the Connected Futures: Youth Led Event in Birmingham last month.

The Youth Led Event was all about putting youth voice and leadership at the centre of the discussion, and our region’s Youth Voice Ambassadors took centre stage and were really inspired by the event. It was designed in consultation with all nine Connected Futures partnerships and led by the Connected Futures Youth Steering Group and the Future Voices Group.

The East Midlands Connected Futures partnership is led by D2N2 LEP, Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) and Nottinghamshire County Council.

Clare Talati, DEBP Chief Executive Officer said: “Our local partnership is examining the processes and pathways available for young people with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism spectrum conditions, to enter and progress within employment. As part of this, Youth Voice Ambassadors representing the four districts of D2N2 (Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire) are facilitating a Youth Development Board to listen and learn from young people with lived experience, and empower them along their journey into the world of work.”

The event marked the end of Phase 1 of the partnership, which focused on exploring with young people the challenges they face, and where support is lacking, and looking ahead to Phase 1.5 which involves testing solutions and readiness for Phase 2.

The day was broken down into three sessions: – working in mixed partnership teams, representatives were invited to share knowledge and thoughts to offer creative solutions to key questions, system issues, or areas for further exploration that Connected Futures partnerships have highlighted through Phase 1. This pool of knowledge and experience from a range of young people and organisations was then collated and shared.

The second session was the Youth Participation ‘Un-Panel’ – this enabled young people and organisations who specialise in youth participation to share their experiences, learning, and best practice to enable meaningful youth leadership and challenge power dynamics. Panel members were spread across the audience and other youth representatives were encouraged to engage in dialogue with the panel members.

The third session was the ‘Build Your Future’ Creative Challenge – where the partners and youth representatives shared their learning and vision for Connected Futures with the rest of the delegates. They could use whatever method they wanted, this could include spoken word, a drama performance, or visual representations.

Kai Partington, Youth Voice Facilitator for the East Midlands Connected Futures Partnership, said: “For the creative challenge, the team were inspired by the passion one of the Youth Voice Ambassadors, Akil, has for cooking. Together they created their ‘Recipe for Success’:Jack created a visual representation of the ‘ingredients’, and as Emily and Habibah narrated the ‘recipe’, Akil acted out making the ‘success pizza’ and added his secret spice, ‘youth voice’ to bring all the flavours together, with the team sharing their mantra of ‘nothing about us, without us’ which relates to young people co-producing solutions and being part of the decision-making process, when high-level decisions are made.”

Find out more about Connected Futures

Direct Education Business Partnership and D2N2 LEP support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Youth Futures Event in Birmingham

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Chamber welcomes new government support for apprenticeships

Small businesses (SMEs) in Chesterfield and the East Midlands region could get a surge in under 21s taking up apprenticeships, thanks to new government funding announced recently.

The Prime Minister has outlined plans to enable up to 20,000 more apprenticeships with a number of reforms. The government says it will pay the full cost of apprenticeships for people aged 21 or under at small firms from 1 April, and is pledging £60m of new investment for next year.

The government says this will reduce costs and burdens for businesses and deliver more opportunities for young people to kick start their careers. It also says the reforms will remove the need for small employers to meet some of the cost of training, whilst saving time and costs for providers like further education colleges who currently need to source funding separately from the government and businesses.

East Midlands Chamber Head of Employment Services Paul Needham said: “We know the value apprenticeships have on young people, in giving them real skills from a busy workplace and experiencing the challenges a business faces in a real world situation each day. For too long cost has been a barrier for many would-be apprentices and SMEs.

“For opportunities to be opened in this way is something I very much welcome. We work with a number of apprenticeship providers and see success after success when people achieve their goals; often they gain skills they had never envisaged. Businesses really see the benefit too as the enthusiasm to learn translates to good work so they’re a win-win. The more we can help young people get into work and develop the skills SMEs need will have a positive effect on the wider economy in the East Midlands.”

Is your business looking to upskill or recruit? Find out more about the benefits of taking on an apprentice and inspiring the next generation at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/hiring-an-apprentice/

Want to receive regular skills updates? Sign up for our skills and employability newsletter to be informed of the latest news, events, initiatives and showcases taking place in the local community: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/skills-and-employability-newsletter-signup/.

Apprentice welder and mentor at a local manufacturing business in Chesterfield

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£1.2m degree apprenticeship funding for the University of Derby

More than £1.2 million has been awarded by the Office for Students to the University of Derby to support the development and expansion of degree apprenticeships, addressing skills gaps in key shortage areas within Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

The sum of £1,234,378 was the largest awarded by the Office for Students in this second wave of investment, totalling £14 million across 32 universities and colleges. It will be used to support the delivery of new degree apprenticeships, facilitate continuing engagement with potential apprentices and employers, and raise aspirations of those living in the region. It comes on top of more than £300,000 given to the University by the Office for Students in January.

The funding will be used to develop new degree apprenticeships, including a Project Manager programme to support skills needs in the region. It will provide support for the growing nuclear industry, adding to the apprenticeships offered at the Nuclear Skills Academy, which is run in partnership by the University and Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd.

A new Public Health Practitioner degree apprenticeship will also be developed, which will help address the training requirements for the UK’s public health workforce, as identified in the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan.

In addition to new programmes, the funding will support increased awareness of and participation in apprenticeships that currently experience low take-up across the country, building on the University’s expertise in strengthening relationships with employers and the business community. These include programmes in the nuclear and aerospace industries, as well as a range of health care apprenticeships, including in diagnostic radiography and operating department practice.

Dr Denise Baker, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dean of the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care at the University of Derby, said: “This funding will provide a major boost to our efforts to address significant skills gaps in our region and across the UK. It will enable us to work even more closely with employers to promote apprenticeships, offer peer support – especially for smaller and medium-sized organisations – and support employers to maximise their use of the apprenticeship levy. The University of Derby already has a strong reputation for its apprenticeships in the region with a proven track record of engaging with industry, and this support from the Office for Students will help us to develop closer industry ties to benefit apprentices and the sectors in which they work.”

Find out more about apprenticeships at the University of Derby: https://www.derby.ac.uk/business-services/training-development/apprenticeships/

Want to receive regular skills updates? Sign up for our skills and employability newsletter to be informed of the latest news, events, initiatives and showcases taking place in the local community: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/skills-and-employability-newsletter-signup/.

The University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Classroom of students at the University of Derby

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Staveley Town Deal Board hears from first learners at the Construction Skills Hub

Students at the Construction Skills Hub shared their experiences with members of the Staveley Town Deal Board at a meeting this month.

The first cohort of learners started in September 2023. Initially based at Chesterfield College, they will be moving to the new training hub – one of the projects being funded through the Staveley Town Deal.

An innovative approach to learning, the Construction Skills Hub provides a range of sector specific training on a live construction site in Mastin Moor, allowing learners at the hub to develop their skills, whilst also gaining experience in the sector.

Brandon, a current student of the Construction Skills Hub. said: “This is an excellent opportunity for me to get the skills and knowledge needed to get a job within the construction industry, I have lived within the Staveley area since birth, and this will give me the chance to secure a job working within my local community.”

Brianna, one of two female students at the Construction Skills Hub, explained: “There are not many females who work within the construction trades, but I know that the training, qualifications and work experience that I learn will help me to achieve my ambition of working on a building site. Also, who knows, I might even encourage more females to learn a trade.”

The Construction Skills Hub forms a key part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s skills action plan.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The Hub is a fantastic way of ensuring young people can develop the skills and experience they need to secure a great career here in Staveley. It’s a unique way of approaching skills development and I’m pleased that we are working with so many fantastic partners to deliver this project, which will help ensure that young people in Staveley get the training and skills they need to have a great career in our borough.”

Chesterfield College and the University of Derby have been appointed to deliver the education programme at the Construction Skills Hub.

Gavin Varley, assistant principal, Advanced Manufacturing and Building Technologies explained: “Experiencing a live site is invaluable experience for our students taking their first steps into working in the construction industry. As a college we pride ourselves on serving the needs of our community and unique projects such as this one achieve that on so many levels. Students will experience every single aspect of what goes into a site of this scale meaning they enter this wonderful industry with their eyes wide open to the possibilities and opportunities it can offer them.”

The Hub is being built on a live construction site in Mastin Moor that is managed by the Devonshire Group.

Andrew Byrne, property development director at Devonshire Group, said: “The Devonshire Group is delighted to be involved with this project, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see its progress from an idea to reality and now have students on site. We’re committed to working with local communities and we believe that one of the best ways we can do this is by providing somewhere to train and upskill local people to create long term value for the area. The students who attend the Skills Hub will learn how to shape and create the places that we all live, work and play in. They will be the builders, developers and businesses of the future.”

Funded through the Staveley Town Deal the Construction Skills Hub is initially based in Mastin Moor but this will change as new housing sites are opened up and it will engage closely with local schools.

Ivan Fomin, chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, “It was fantastic to hear from some of the first learners at the Construction Skills Hub and discover how the investment made through the Town Deal is helping them to build their future in Staveley. Our aim is to ensure that Staveley is a place where people can start, stay and grow – the Hub is key to achieving this vision and providing a place where young people can start their career, grow their skills and build a long-term future in the town.”

The Construction Skills Hub is one of nine projects that will be funded through the Staveley Town Deal. After developing a Town Investment Plan, Staveley was awarded £25.2 million to deliver this plan with a funding deadline of March 2026.

Funding has also been provided to regenerate the town centre, extend the Chesterfield Canal and refurbish Barrow Hill Memorial Hall. Find out more about the Town Deal and the range of projects being funded by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-town-deal

Want to receive regular skills updates? Sign up for our skills and employability newsletter to be informed of the latest news, events, initiatives and showcases taking place in the local community: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/skills-and-employability-newsletter-signup/.

Site visit to Construction Skills Hub

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National Careers Week: How Chesterfield apprentices are unlocking business growth in Chesterfield

Chesterfield businesses are being urged to futureproof their workforces by finding out more about the far-reaching benefits of taking on apprentices in the town.

Apprenticeships have long been recognised as a powerful tool for bridging the gap between education and employment. In Chesterfield, this holds particularly true, as businesses stand to gain several benefits by taking on apprentices.

Ahead of National Careers Week 2024 (4-9 March), a panel of apprentices building their careers in the town have outlined these advantages, from fostering a skilled workforce for the future, to enhancing company culture and driving innovation.

Speaking to Destination Chesterfield and the Derbyshire Times, apprentices in the town spoke of the numerous ways in which they are contributing to their organisations. In an era defined by advancing technology and evolving industry demands, the need for skilled workers has never been more pronounced. By taking on apprentices, businesses in Chesterfield have been able to address this need by nurturing fresh talent and providing them with invaluable hands-on experience.

Lucy Jones, Level 3 Business Administrator Apprentice with DBCP commented: “Apprentices have different backgrounds, ideas and viewpoints which can help to combat challenges which may arise in the business.

Lucy Jones - DBCP

Lucy Jones – DBCP

“They bring a different mindset to everyone else. You get to mould that person for your business and work with them to be a better version of themselves, with a range of skills from time management to dealing with clients. Apprentices are taking their learning and applying it to your business straight away.”

Moreover, businesses have the opportunity to tailor apprenticeship programs to align with their specific needs and objectives, ensuring that apprentices receive training that directly translates into tangible contributions to the company.

By investing in the development of apprentices, businesses not only secure a pipeline of skilled workers but also cultivate a culture of learning and growth within their organisation. This commitment to employee development not only benefits the individual apprentice but also contributes to the long-term success and sustainability of the business and Chesterfield’s economy.

Chanelle Wallace, Level 2 Hairdressing Apprentice at MD Hair said: “Being based at the salon gives me a great opportunity to learn everyone else’s techniques and soak up all their experience. I’m then able to use that to find my style and ways of doing things, which I think helps to strengthen and grow the team. If you work with more experienced people, you’re going to learn those key social skills, which for my area of work is so important.”

Woman in a salon drying another woman's hair

Chanelle Wallace, MD Hair, Level 2 Hairdressing Apprentice

Apprenticeships are crucial in driving innovation by injecting fresh perspectives and new ideas into the workplace. As digital technologies continue to reshape industries, businesses in Chesterfield can leverage apprenticeships to harness emerging talent and foster a culture of innovation.

Isaac Marbridge, Level 7 ACCA Chartered Accountant Apprentice at BHP commented: “If a business has the flexibility to work with an apprentice, I’d recommend it. I have quarterly meetings with my manager, and we discuss my progress. I get to regularly put forward skills which I want to get trained up on, which I’m then able to go and pursue. That could be something unique that nobody else has done. This means I can then bring fresh knowledge into the business, which overall will help the organisation.

Isaac Marbridge, BHP Accountants speaking at the Chesterfield Employability and skills conference

Isaac Marbridge, BHP Accountants speaking at the Chesterfield Employability and skills conference.

“Businesses will gain a lot by getting a different perspective. My industry, accountancy, is transforming and we must keep up with new technologies. Younger people coming through as apprentices and trainees will be better placed to get trained and help to drive the business forward. We’ve had talks about AI and how that is set to impact our sector, and we’ve got younger people already looking at how we can use it to our advantage.”

Furthermore, apprenticeships provide businesses with the opportunity to future-proof their workforce by equipping apprentices with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape. Whether it’s mastering new technologies, adapting to shifting market trends, or navigating regulatory changes, apprenticeships empower businesses in Chesterfield to stay agile and resilient in the face of uncertainty.

Moreover, apprenticeships provide existing employees with the opportunity to mentor and support the next generation of talent, fostering a sense of pride and fulfilment in their roles. This mentorship not only enhances the professional development of apprentices but also cultivates strong bonds between team members, leading to greater cohesion and productivity.

DBCP’s Lucy Jones added: “Most of the inspectors in our organisation are from an older generation. I think that it is important that we get trainees and apprentices into that role to keep it going and ensure the future of our industry. The job comes with a lot of responsibility, so it’s vital we give people that hands-on experience as soon as we can.”

In Chesterfield, businesses stand to gain a wealth of benefits by embracing apprenticeships as a cornerstone of their workforce development strategy. To assist businesses in ensuring they have the workforce required to meet the demands of the future, Chesterfield Borough Council has launched a skills brokerage service, which can signpost firms to the support they require.

Max Denton, Skills Delivery Assistant at Chesterfield Borough Council is currently working towards a Level 4 Project Management apprenticeship. He commented: “The role I carry out aligns with one of the five objectives in the council’s growth strategy, which is ensuring that people in our borough have the right skills to progress in the labour market and benefit from future employment opportunities.

Three men stood having a conversation

Max Denton, Chesterfield Borough Council, Level 4 Project Manager Associate

“I believe that there is a lot of opportunity in Chesterfield at the moment. It is a pleasure to see the amount of development taking place here. It will certainly lead to more employment opportunities in the town. The focus of our growth strategy is to create higher-value jobs and growth, and I would encourage businesses to get in touch with us to see how we can support them.”

To find out more about apprenticeships and skills support for businesses in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/

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Chesterfield apprentice employers encouraged to enter prestigious top 100 list

Firms in Chesterfield are being encouraged to enter themselves into the running for the England Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list.

The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers celebrates England’s outstanding apprenticeship employers, recognising their commitment to creating new apprenticeships, the diversity of their apprentices, and the number of apprentices who successfully achieve their apprenticeships.

And the Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers features the country’s leading small and medium-sized employers who offer apprenticeship programmes.

First compiled in 2020, the prestigious annual employer rankings have been developed by the Department of Education, in partnership with High Fliers Research, who independently assess and rank the nation’s top apprenticeship employers.

Over the past three years, more than 1,000 apprenticeship employers from a wide range of industries and business sectors have entered for the rankings.

The Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers are back in 2024 to showcase the apprenticeship employers that have done the most to provide apprenticeship opportunities over the past 12 months.

Entries are now open and the results will be announced during a special TV programme in the summer – and apprenticeship employers featured in the new 2024 rankings will be invited to attend a celebration lunch at the House of Commons in the autumn.

Previous Chesterfield winners for the top 50 SME list include Less Than Zero barbers and Clee Hill Plant. Find out more about their nominations here.

Together, the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers will reveal which employers – large and small – are this year’s most successful apprenticeship employers.

Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State for Education commented: “Since 2020, we’ve been highlighting the top apprenticeship employers in England, to recognise their ongoing commitment to delivering amazing apprenticeships.

“Last year we received a record number of entries from more than 800 different employers, and this year we want to break that record. We’ve revolutionised technical education in this country, with almost 70% of occupations now available as apprenticeships. We couldn’t do that without you, the fantastic employers who deliver them.

“We look forward to seeing another fantastic range of entries for the 2024 rankings. Thank you and good luck!”

Find out more about the list and nominate your business at: https://topapprenticeshipemployers.co.uk/

Apprentice welder and mentor at a local manufacturing business in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,