Apprentice Town

Celebrating the town’s food and drink scene and relaunching Made in Chesterfield

I have to kick off this month by congratulating everybody that was involved in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2019. I look forward to these sell-out awards every year as it involves a room full of people invested not only in their industry, but in its success in our town.

The black-tie event, held at the historic Winding Wheel Theatre this year, brings the celebration into the heart of the town, where darker evenings are soon to be illuminated by the stunning Christmas lights which are to be switched on on the 17 November.

At the 2019 Chesterfield Food & Drink Awards, Chris Mapp, Head Chef and Owner of The Tickled Trout, was awarded the prestigious Chesterfield Food Hero award.

There are few things that bring people together quite like Christmas. It’s all too easy to get caught up in day-to-day life and put things like family time to one side, but Christmas is a great reason to make time especially around a dinner table.

Chesterfield has a plethora of places to eat and drink that we have never had before. Real ale pubs, gastro pubs, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, Italian, Indian, Greek, Japanese, Chinese, French… you name it – Chesterfield’s food and drink scene has it.

There’s a full programme of entertainment for Christmas in Chesterfield from traditional markets to the annual pantomime and from stand up comedy to musical concerts.

Variety, as they say, is the spice of life and as the town grows, we are able to offer more job roles and career opportunities to young people. Nowhere is this more evident than in our manufacturing and engineering sector.

Once again, we’ll be raising awareness of the breadth of jobs and roles in this sector with the annual Made in Chesterfield campaign in November. The programme brings together schools and businesses in the sector in order to open young people’s eyes to the opportunities in the local area – something increasing in importance with increased local developments, investment and, of course, Brexit.

There’s lots going on in the area, festive and otherwise. Let’s fully embrace the community and Christmas spirit and come together to talk up the town. There are fantastic things happening around us that can be easy to dismiss in our day-to-day lives. Let’s all take a moment to appreciate them as 2019 draws to a close (already!).

Blog by Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield

Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership and delivered in association with the University of Derby.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Blog, Business, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Visiting

Essential Site Skills team member shortlisted for Rising Star Award

Essential Site Skills (ESS) are delighted to announce that their team member Matt Fletcher has been named as a finalist for the Rising Star Award at The Learning Awards 2020.

The Learning Awards is an annual event that celebrates outstanding individuals in the world of Learning & Development, organised by The Learning and Performance Institute. Receiving one of these awards is the ultimate accolade for anyone working in the industry.

On the back of his exceptional performance in a business support role, Matt was identified 12 months ago as having the drive, enthusiasm and appetite to develop his career as a trainer. His high performance has gone from strength to strength since then, proving to be an invaluable asset to the ESS team within such a short period of time.

Travelling up and down the country, Matt delivers training in some of the most dangerous areas of the construction industry, exemplifying a trainer who goes the extra mile and puts the learner at the forefront of the learning and development experience. His hard work and endeavour have helped him change lives for the better.

Matt said, “It’s a huge honour to even be nominated in the rising star category for the LPI Learning awards, but to be selected as a finalist and have the opportunity to present to the judging panel gives me a great sense of pride.”

Training and Consultancy Director, Darren O’Neill, spoke on behalf of ESS: “Having performed an incredible job as Training & Consultancy Instructor, it’s been a brilliant year for Matt, and he is fully deserving of the recognition he is receiving.”

“The whole team at ESS are incredibly proud of Matt and wish him all the best in the coming awards ceremony.”

Matt’s nomination is just the latest success for ESS. At the The Learning Awards 2019, ESS were finalists in the Learning Provider of the Year category, with Training and Consultancy Manager, Michael Harcourt, winning the Rising Star Silver Award.

The Learning Awards 2020 will take place on 20th February 2020 from London’s Hilton Hotel.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Derbyshire County Council to cover apprentice training costs for local SMEs

Small and medium-sized businesses across the county could have their apprentice training costs paid for by Derbyshire County Council.

Derbyshire County Council are using some of their apprentice levy to pay for training for apprenticeships in small and medium-sized businesses.

Apprenticeships can be undertaken by new employees, or existing employees in a wide range of business sectors including manufacturing, creative, service, construction, finance and business, care, retail and many more. There are 100s of different types of apprenticeship at a wide variety of different levels.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “This is a great opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses in the county to boost their level of skills, either by taking on a new apprentice, or training existing employees.”

“We will pay for the training needed, and provide expert help to find the right apprenticeship for your business and employees.”

More information is available from Lucie Andrews, Skills Adviser at the D2N2 Growth Hub, via email lucie.andrews@d2n2growthhub.co.uk or by calling 0333 006 9178.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development

Lombardi’s named as Chesterfield’s top restaurant

One of Chesterfield’s oldest Italian restaurants, Lombardi’s has been named as the town’s Restaurant of the Year, taking the top honour in the seventh annual Food and Drink Awards.

Established in 2002 and based on Sheffield Road in Chesterfield, Lombardi’s succeeded in scooping the coveted title after being shortlisted for the top award in 2017. Since then the family-owned Italian restaurant has continued to impress diners with its ‘authentic rustic Italian dishes bursting with flavour, cooked with passion.’

Accepting the award at the glittering awards evening, which was hosted by celebrity chef Brian Turner, Christina and Daniel Power, owners of Lombardi’s said: “It feels incredible to win this award after being in this business for 18 years. It’s amazing to be acknowledged for what we do – bringing the real taste of Italy to Chesterfield since 2002.

“We are regarded as an institution in the town, but we’re not standing still. We have just expanded the business to create more seating and will create an outdoor seating area next year to meet demand from our customers.”

Lombardis Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards 2019

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with the Chesterfield College Group, the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards ceremony was this year held at the Winding Wheel Theatre.  Recognising the very best people, bars, pubs, restaurants, cafes and food producers, the awards have been a highlight in the town’s food and drink sector since 2013.

In addition to Lombardi’s, 14 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafés and individuals also scooped an accolade across 15 categories at the ceremony.

Congratulating all the winners, Brian Turner said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards. Whether a winner or runner up everyone should be proud of themselves.”

Other headline winners on the night included Casa Hotel, which scooped two awards – International Restaurant of the Year and Conference Venue of the Year.

Town centre-based Sorbo Lounge was also named as Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer. Based in the former Post Office building in Market Place, Sorbo Lounge embodies Chesterfield’s drive to evolve and create a modern town centre environment.

More than 260 people attended what has become the biggest night of the year for Chesterfield’s food and drink community. The awards are also a hands-on learning experience for headline sponsor, Chesterfield College’s hospitality students, who served canapés to guests at the venue.

Brian Turner added: “The hospitality industry is demanding but hugely enjoyable and for all young people on the brink of a career within it, work experience is critical. It is great to see Chesterfield College and its students involved with the awards. Involvement in the Young Chef competition and the practical involvement of the hospitality students serving the canapés on the night deliver invaluable work experience to young people, which will benefit them in their future careers in the industry.”

Young and upcoming talent in the sector was also put under the spotlight at the awards with Chesterfield College student, Jake Parkin being named as the Young Chef of the Year.

Young Chef - Chesterfield food and Drink Awards 2019

David Malone, Chief Operations Officer from Chesterfield College Group said: “It was fantastic to be part of the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards again this year. I would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees. It is inspiring to see so many people from the local industry gather to celebrate the success of established businesses and those who are just starting out. It’s wonderful to see the next generation of catering and hospitality experts being recognised too. I hope we will see the finalists and winners of the Apprentice and Young Chef of the Year play a part in this thriving sector in the future.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield added: “Once again the Food and Drink Awards ceremony has been a huge success with more people nominating and more businesses and individuals being shortlisted than previous years. The year-on-year growth of the awards is a direct reflection of how the town’s food and drink sector is continuing to grow.

“There is a great sense of community in the sector with businesses and individuals committed to its success, and this was reflected at the awards ceremony. It was a wonderful celebration. Congratulations to everyone.”

The winners of the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards are:

Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council

Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant

Christina and Daniel Power, owners of Lombardi’s said: “It feels incredible to win this award after being in this business for 18 years. It’s amazing to be acknowledged for what we do – bringing the real taste of Italy to Chesterfield since 2002.

“We are regarded as an institution in the town, but we’re not standing still. We have just expanded the business to create more seating and will create an outdoor seating area next year to meet demand from our customers.”

Cafe/Tea Room of the Year – sponsored by Kier

The Lilypad Café & Restaurant

Ryan Purrington, Head Chef and Manager at The Lilypad Café & Restaurant said: “It feels incredible to win. We have worked hard all year for this. We are innovative and make a point of doing our own thing to stand out from the crowd. At the minute we are undergoing a huge refurb and re-opening on 3 November with some exciting things to come.”

Gastro Pub of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors

The Rectory

Rebecca Walker, General Manager of The Rectory, said: “This is the third time we’ve been nominated for the award but the first year we have won, and it feels absolutely amazing. Over the last year we have really pushed the boundaries with our menu and worked hard to find out what Chesterfield wants and it’s paid off.”.

Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by the University of Derby

Pump + Grind

Oliver Perez, Operations Director of Pump + Grind said: “It feels fantastic to win the award. We’ve put a lot of hard work in over the last two years and it’s great to be recognised for this. People like Pump + Grind because we try to do things differently. We take our inspiration from the big towns and cities and bring it to Chesterfield. It’s a great town to go out in and has a brilliant food and drink scene, which we love being part of and are looking to do more as we develop our food menu further.”

Chesterfield’s Best Newcomer – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants

Sorbo Lounge

Caleb Wilkes, Assistant Manager at Sorbo Lounge said: “A massive thank you to everyone in Chesterfield who helped us win this award. We’ve worked hard to make Sorbo Lounge a place where everyone feels welcome and this award tell us that we have achieved that. And we want to do even more. Next year we have lots of things planned to fundraise for the charity we’re supporting – The Tom Henson Charity and Defib Map. It’s going to be very exciting for all the team and our customers.”

Excellence in Customer Service – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

Bottle & Thyme

Third time winners at the award, owners of Bottle & Thyme, Hannah and Gavin Grainger, said: “It feels brilliant to win an award for customer service as we work so hard with the team to get it right. We have lovely customers so it’s a real pleasure; delivering great service feels really instinctive as it’s a pleasure to have a chat and catch up with them.

“Moving forward, as a business we’re going to continue to push to be more environmentally friendly. That has been a big focus for us in 2019 and will be in 2020.”

Best Out of Town – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants

Southgate Brasserie at Van Dyk by Wildes, Clowne

Nick Wilson, Executive Chef at Southgate Brasserie said: “It’s amazing to win and the culmination of a year’s hard work – it’s the cherry on the cake. People like us because we’re accessible and cater for all tastes from a simple roast dinner through to Rosette-winning cuisine.”

Chesterfield Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by Edge Events Management

Derbyshire Distillery

David Hemstock, Co-founder and Head Distiller of Derbyshire Distillery said: “This award means everything to us. It’s far beyond what we thought we could achieve when we established the business only 14 months ago. We’ve now got purpose-built premises at Markham Vale, which has given the business space to grow and develop even further.  Despite the growth in production, our focus will remain on quality; from the ingredients in our products to the fact that the entire gin making process is all done under one roof and by us – that’s what really sets us apart.”

Young Chef of the Year – sponsored by Owen Taylor & Sons

Jake Parkin

Jake Parkin said: “When I heard my name called out, I was absolutely thrilled. I was confident I’d done well in the cooking element of the competition, but to actually win the award means the world to me. The Young Chef of the Year award is the start of my career to eventually become a head chef. The whole experience has been exciting but nerve wracking.”

International Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller

Cocina at Casa Hotel

Luke Gregory, Resident Manager at Casa Hotel said: “It feels absolutely amazing to win the award. We’re overjoyed. We pride ourselves on our service and locally sourced food to deliver an excellent experience for customers and this comes through in our customer feedback – they tell us they love Cocina’s relaxed atmosphere and quality food.”

Family Friendly Award – sponsored by Jumble Creative Design

Chesters

Chris Ioannides, Owner of Chesters said: “To win this award for the fourth time in a row feels brilliant. The whole team is so proud as we all work hard to ensure we have the best environment for families who dine with us as we know that keeping the kids entertained is the key to the whole family enjoying their meal.

“We’re hoping to give even more families a taste of Chesters soon as we’re expanding the business into Markham Vale next year with the opening of a new restaurant and drive through. Exciting times are ahead.”

Apprentice of the Year – Sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council)

Donna McMahon, Van Dyk by Wildes

Donna McMahon said: I am astonished to have won Apprentice of the year as I am an older apprentice and people just assume that apprenticeships are for younger people. I decided to do a business administration apprenticeship because my employer wanted to invest in me and it was an opportunity to develop myself. Everything I have learnt in the apprenticeship so far is really helping me in my job role. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship to anyone, regardless of their age, who wants to develop themselves and build their knowledge.”

Apprentice Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group)

Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa

Michael Nash, Operations Director at Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa said: “The apprentices work really hard in the business and this award also recognises their contribution. Apprenticeships bring immeasurable value to the business and are a double-edged sword for both us and the apprentices. Everyone benefits.”

Conference Venue of the Year

Casa Hotel

Maroslava Hanatova, Conference Manager at Casa Hotel said: “We’re delighted to win the award. It is well deserved by all the team – from sales to operations. We offer the whole package – from food, passionate staff and accommodation – and I believe it is this, which really sets us apart from other venues in the area.”

Chesterfield Food Hero

Chris Mapp, Head Chef at the Tickled Trout

Chris Mapp, Head Chef and owner of The Tickled Trout said: “I am over the moon, surprised and humbled to receive this recognition. I am passionate about the industry and Chesterfield because it’s home, also because we have such fantastic produce on the doorstep in the Peak District and South Yorkshire. Youngsters beginning their career need to understand how food works – taste over presentation using locally sourced food is an excellent starting point. It’s an amazing industry to work in.”

Other supporters of the awards include Derbyshire Times, Distinctive Magic, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), FEAST 2 – Food and Drink Forum, Hoods Florist, Franklins & Sons, Magnifica, Peak FM, Reflections Magazine (Bannister Publications Ltd) and Vicar Lane Shopping Centre.

For more information about the Chesterfield Food and Drink awards, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards/.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield sees increase in visitor economy

Chesterfield has seen an increase in the visitor economy of more than five per cent in the last year.

New figures released by Global Tourism Solutions show that tourism in the borough accounted for £184.1 million in 2018 – an increase of 5.1 per cent on 2017.

Each year Chesterfield sees 3.7 million visitors.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “We are all aware that Chesterfield is a wonderful place to visit and it seems the secret is out.”

“The visitor economy is important for Chesterfield, with so many visitors coming to see our attractions, staying in our hotels, eating in restaurants and cafés and spending in our shops and businesses.”

As well as the world-famous Crooked Spire, the borough is also home to popular attractions including Chesterfield Museum, Revolution House, the Pomegranate and Winding Wheel Theatres and award winning parks including Queen’s Park, all owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council.

In addition there is Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre, Chesterfield Canal and Staveley Hall.

A planning application has recently been submitted by David Lloyd for Adrenaline World, a visitor attraction at the Peak Resort development at Unstone.

Click here to find out more about leisure in Chesterfield

Click here to see our list of great places to visit in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Visiting

Chesterfield College organise Half Term taster sessions

During October half term (28-31 October), Chesterfield College are offering a range of free taster courses for 14 to 17 year olds. The taster sessions are a great way to find out more about college life and the range of subjects available to study at college.

With over 25 different morning and afternoon sessions to choose from, there really is something to suit all tastes; from acting to graphic design, app development to welding, childcare to fashion design and much more. Please see the full list below.

Monday 28 October

  • Sport – 10am-12pm
  • Uniformed Public Services – 10am-12pm
  • Intro to Game Design – 10am-12pm
  • Acting Techniques – 10am-12pm
  • A Level Carousel – 10am-12pm
  • Bread Dough and Pizza Making – 10am-12pm
  • Hairdressing – 10am-12pm
  • Beauty Therapy – 10am-12pm
  • Scientific Skills – 1-3pm
  • Hairdressing – 1-3pm
  • Beauty Therapy – 1-3pm
  • Intro to App Development – 1-3pm

Tuesday 29 October

  • Media (Make a Video in a Day) – 10am-3pm
  • Graphic Design and Mixed Media Applications – 10am-12pm
  • Travel and Tourism – 10am-12pm
  • Automotive Pit Stop Challenge (Lockoford Lane campus) – 10am-12pm
  • Vehicle Body and Repair – 1-3pm
  • PC Strip and Build – 1-3pm
  • Business Studies – 1-3pm

Wednesday 30 October

  • Robot Challenge – 10am-12pm
  • Intro to Welding – 10am-12pm
  • Construction – 10am-12pm
  • Health and Social Care – 10am-12pm
  • Intro to Welding – 1-3pm
  • Robot Challenge – 1-3pm
  • Construction – 1-3pm
  • Childcare – 1-3pm
  • Intro to 3D Modelling – 1-3pm

Thursday 31 October

  • 2D Animation – 10am-12pm
  • Art and Design – 10am-12pm
  • Photography – 10am-12pm
  • Fashion Design – 1-3pm

There is no limit to the number of taster sessions you can try to help you narrow down which course you would like to study after school. However, places are limited and offered on a first come first served basis so it is vital to book your place early to avoid disappointment. For more information and to book click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business

Farm to Fork experience gives college students a taste of the food industry

A class of young Chesterfield chefs have been given a taste of the local farming industry in a Farm to Fork experience, organised by Destination Chesterfield and Owen Taylor & Sons.

The group of aspiring young chefs included Chesterfield College Level 2 cookery students, Jake Parkin (18), Sophia Johnson (18) and Callum Fitzpatrick (18) who have all been shortlisted for the prestigious Young Chef of the Year 2019 title (right).

The winner of the award will be announced on Wednesday 23 October at the Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Chesterfield College.

Designed to give the students an appreciation for the best farming, butchery and culinary skills, the experience included a visit to The Tickled Trout in Barlow, Owen Taylor & Son’s factory butchery and the Red Tractor-assured Butterley Top Farm in Ashover.

Eleven students from Chesterfield College’s Level 2 Cookery course got the chance to undertake the Farm to Fork experience.

The visit followed a specially organised cook-off earlier this year which saw Jake, Sophia and Callum each prepare a two-course meal for judges, who included Chris Mapp, owner of The Tickled Trout and Richard Taylor, Managing Director of Owen Taylor & Sons.

Carl Evans, Operations Manager of Owen Taylor & Sons, who accompanied the students on the visit, commented: “Following the success of hosting a Farm to Fork experience for last year’s Young Chef finalists, we were honoured to be asked to host the event again but, this time, for the entire class.”

“It’s important for students to have this experience so they can appreciate for themselves how beneficial it is for catering businesses to put local meat on the menu. They can see the sustainability and high welfare at the farm and how that helps to create a high-quality final product.”

“We are proud to sponsor the Young Chef of the Year category at the Food and Drink Awards and were impressed by the final dishes produced under the pressure of the competition. Hopefully, the students will be inspired by the experience and will progress well in catering.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, praised The Tickled Trout and Owen Taylor & Sons for their involvement in the 2019 Food and Drink Awards, saying: “The Farm to Fork experience is great for the young chefs from Chesterfield College. It gives them a real insight into where our food comes from and how it gets from the farm to the plate – it’s important for any chef to understand that.”

“When we established the awards six years ago, we wanted to make people aware of the thriving food and drink sector in Chesterfield, including aspiring young chefs. Hopefully the students now have a clearer view of the fantastic opportunities in the town.”

As well as the Young Chef of the Year title, the winners of all 15 categories in the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards will be announced by celebrity chef, Brian Turner, who is hosting this year’s glittering black-tie awards ceremony at the Winding Wheel.

In addition to Owen Taylor & Sons, other supporters of the awards include Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council), Banner Jones Solicitors, BHP Chartered Accountants, Casa Hotel, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire Times, Distinctive Magic, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), Edge Events Management Ltd, Elder Way (Jomast Developments), FEAST – Food and Drink Forum, Hoods Florist, Jumble Creative Design, Kier Group, Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), Magnifica, MSE Hiller, Peak FM, Reflections Magazine (Bannister Publications Ltd), Shorts Chartered Accountants and Vicar Lane Shopping Centre. For more information about the awards, visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/foodanddrinkawards.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Destination Chesterfield

Heathcotes Group appoints Head of Recruitment

Chesterfield Champion, Heathcotes Group, has appointed Colin Ramwell as Head of Recruitment to support its specialist residential services nationwide.

Colin brings many years’ experience of delivering innovative talent acquisition strategies within the health and social care sector. Prior to joining Heathcotes, he was Group Recruitment Manager at Turning Point, a social enterprise providing health and social care services for people with complex needs. Colin has also worked as a Project Lead at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, where he designed and implemented staffing strategy, and as Head of Recruitment at Cambian Group, a provider of services for people with autism, Asperger Syndrome, learning disabilities and complex needs.

Colin said:“I am very excited to have joined a forward-thinking organisation like Heathcotes Group. Ninety per cent of the senior management started out as care support workers, so they understand the value of investing in workforce development and nurturing career progression. Heathcotes funds all training and qualifications for entry-level staff at its services and many step up to management roles, so the company certainly provides the opportunities and long-term career prospects to attract and retain talented, caring and dedicated people.

He added: “Heathcotes’ person-centred care can have a transformative effect on service users, enabling them to progress from residential care to a more independent life, so staff have a real sense that they are making a lasting difference. That is another aspect of working life at Heathcotes which we need to highlight as a prospective employer for people seeking a satisfying and rewarding profession.”

Mikkel Togsverd, Managing Director of Heathcotes Southern, said: “We are delighted to welcome Colin to Heathcotes Group. He has a proven track record in recruitment and a wealth of experience of working within organisations that support individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs. The quality of our people has been fundamental to Heathcotes’ success and Colin will play a leading role in ensuring that we continue to attract candidates with the attributes and values required for the kind of life-changing work that we do.”

Colin will now be overseeing recruitment strategy and delivery for 66 Heathcotes services providing specialist residential care for adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs and associated challenging behaviours.

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

DEBP Shortlisted for Careers Provider of the Year

Chesterfield Champion, Derbyshire Education Business Partnership (DEBP) have been shortlisted for the Careers Provider of the Year Award in the Careers Excellence Awards 2019.

Now in its third year, the Awards are organised by The Careers & Enterprise Company, partnering with the Gatsby Foundation.  The Awards shine a light on best practice careers provision – inspiring and preparing young people for success in the world of work.  The Awards are made up of 10 categories to highlight the talent and expertise required to reach the Gatsby Benchmarks, build networks and support careers leaders.

Clare Talati, DEBP Director said, “We are extremely proud to be shortlisted for the Careers Provider of the Year Award.  We work incredibly hard in partnership to strengthen and broaden the scope of Careers Education and ensure that learners benefit from, and schools meet, the Gatsby benchmarks.”

Clare continued, “All our programmes improve a young person’s ability to make careers decisions; educating them to be better informed and more confident through reality-based career interventions. This motivates each young person around academic attainment and identifies how further learning can support their aspirations.”

DEBP work across mainstream and SEND provision with two schools providing exceptional references in support of this nomination.

Debbie Gerring, Headteacher at St Martins School and Horizons 6th Form said, “DEBP are an active, important part of St Martins outstanding provision. Colleagues provide proactive employer links, paving the way for our students, all of whom have additional needs, to access meaningful, inspiring employer encounters.”

Helen Suffolk-Adams, Careers Leader at Landau Forte College said, “We have worked in partnership with DEBP for the last three years.  They are my ‘go to’ provider of choice and never let me down.”

DEBP are one of only three businesses to be shortlisted for the Careers Provider of the Year Award and will attend the Awards Ceremony on Friday 27 September at the Royal Society of Chemistry in London.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Made in Chesterfield

Avenue School Challenge to expand

Chesterfield Champions Placing Futures have been a key partner in a successful project that promotes career opportunities in the construction sector.

The Avenue School Challenge, which aims to help students find out more about the world of construction and improve their science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) skills, was set up by North East Derbyshire District Council and partners in  autumn 2018.

However, thanks to the success of the pilot project, the council has now pledged to continue with the initiative for the next ten years.

Cllr Martin Thacker MBE, Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, said: “I’m delighted we have been able to help students find apprenticeships and work experience through this pioneering project.

“I’m also pleased we have been able to expand the scheme, so it can be of benefit to even more young people eager to carve out a career in construction.”

Pupils from Tupton Hall School and Parkside Community School took part in the pilot project, which included taking part in various ice-breaking and construction activities at North Derbyshire District Council’s Wingerworth offices, as well as site visits, talks in school from industry professionals and a visit to Chesterfield College to create video CVs.

At the end of the scheme, the students then attended a special presentation evening, where they were presented with certificates and a CREST qualification – a widely recognised national award within the construction sector – for all their hard work.

In addition, four pupils were given apprenticeships and three students had work experience placements with Kier Living, who are building the first phase of houses on the Avenue site in Wingerworth and have been involved with the project from the start.

Four schools will now be involved in the Avenue School Challenge, when it is re-launched on 23 September 2019.

Kier Living will be talking at the Chesterfield Investment Summit on the 11th September

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Made in Chesterfield

Derbyshire students perform well in GCSEs

Students in Derbyshire have done themselves and the county proud by doing well in their GCSEs.

Around 7,000 students across the county’s 45 secondary schools received their results last week. Provisional results show that 76% of year 11 students in Derbyshire achieved grades 4 to 9 in English and 60% achieved grades 5 to 9. In maths, 72% of year 11 students achieved grades 4 to 9 and 51% achieved grades 5 to 9.

Cabinet Member for Young People, Councillor Alex Dale, said: “We’re delighted that early indications show our GCSE students have done really well in their exams and I want to congratulate them all for their hard work and dedication.”

“I’d also like to say a big thank you to heads, teachers, staff, governors, parents and our school improvement service for supporting our young people through this important time in their lives.”

“We wish all students the very best of luck as they make the next step in their career – whether that’s vocational or academic.”

Further education or training options open to year 11 students are:

  • full-time education such as sixth form, college or work-based learning
  • an apprenticeship
  • part-time education or training if they are employed, self-employed or volunteering for more than 20 hours a week

Councillor Dale added: “Even if students don’t do as well as expected in their GCSEs, schools can put them in touch with advisers who can go through all the options open to them. These include a wide range of vocational qualifications and apprenticeships which will be showcased at our Derbyshire Skills Festival.”

The Derbyshire Skills Festival is Derbyshire’s largest careers event for young people and is aimed at students aged 13 to 19, including those in year 11 who are considering their options after school. This year’s Chesterfield event will be held at the Proact Stadium on Wednesday 18 September 2019 from 1.30pm to 7.30pm. Find out more here.

Lots of training providers, larger employers and the our community adult education service will be on hand to talk to young people. They will also be invited to take part in a range of have-a-go activities.

Students who do not pass their GCSE English or maths can choose to sign up at a our adult community education centre to resit them. The centres also offer personalised study programmes.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town