Apprentice Town

Chesterfield skills providers recognised at prestigious apprenticeship awards ceremony

Two skills and training providers in Chesterfield have been recognised in a national ceremony, which celebrates the best in apprenticeship delivery across the UK.

The AAC Apprenticeship Awards took place on 14th March 2023, in a special ceremony in Birmingham. A record 375 entries were received from training providers, colleges, universities and employers.

Workpays won the award for Legal, Finance, and Accounting Apprenticeship Provider of the Year, while GBS Apprenticeships were worthy finalists in the Digital Apprenticeship Provider of the Year category.

2023 marks the third year in a row that Workpays have won an accolade at the annual award ceremony, and is the second time that Workpays have won Legal, Finance, and Accounting Apprenticeship Provider of the Year.

Alex Glasner, Managing Director of Workpays (pictured above), said: “We are thrilled to win such a prestigious award for a third year in a row. This really is testament to the dedication of our apprenticeship team, who work day-in day-out to provide the best training possible to individuals across the country.

“Apprenticeships are an amazing way to support employees to gain the skills they need to excel as well as a great path to grow new talent. Our portfolio of apprenticeships and accredited qualifications enable this to happen.”

Alex continued: “All our programmes are tailored to the businesses and individuals we work with, each with its own unique learner journey, this is what has set us apart. We know first-hand how this can change people’s lives and help businesses grow. This award is further recognition of
the hard work of our entire team and I’m incredibly proud.”

Speaking about the company’s nomination as finalists in the Digital Apprenticeships category, GBS Apprenticeships said it was a ‘great honour’ to be recognised – adding that it indicates that the work the company has been doing is being acknowledged by experts and peers in the industry.

A statement from the company’s CEO, Penny Guard said: “I would like to thank the GBS team for their continued hard work and dedication to the company, and our students that continues to push boundaries through stretch and challenge creating talented individuals that strive for even greater successes in the future”.

Chesterfield is the first town in the UK to declare itself an Apprentice Town, demonstrating its commitment to developing future skills for young people and providing a strong pipeline of talent for local businesses. Find out more at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/what-is-apprentice-town/

Workpays and GBS Apprenticeships support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

AAC Awards GBS

GBS Apprenticeships at the AAC Awards 2023

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Opportunity to meet employers at Chesterfield market recruitment event

People looking to take the next steps in their career are being invited to meet employers and find out about local job vacancies at a recruitment event in Chesterfield Town Centre.

The recruitment day – which is the latest in a series of other successful events run by Chesterfield Borough Council and partners – takes place on Wednesday 22 March between 10am and 12pm, in Chesterfield market place.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I’m proud that as a council we have continued to host these events with our partners, and they have to date led to more than 200 job offers with around 100 people securing new careers in our area.

“It helps job seekers and employers to meet informally and discuss available roles before an application. If you’re looking for a new job in Chesterfield, then please do head along to this event and speak to some of the great businesses based in our area.”

Paul Munday, Employer Adviser at DWP Jobcentre Plus Derbyshire, said: “Having first run one of these events in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council back in 2021 it’s a testament to their success and positive feedback that on Wednesday 22 March that we are running our fifth event.

“As with our last event held in October 2022, we will be focusing on sustainable employment opportunities and health and wellbeing support for Chesterfield residents, as well as offering support and information around the latest Government initiatives of supporting the over 50s into work and In Work Progression for those already in part time employment.”

The drop-in event is open to everyone, with no need to make an appointment, but job seekers registered with Jobcentre Plus can reserve their place by speaking with their work coach.

There will be lots of opportunities available on the day from a range of sectors including hospitality, social care, engineering, logistics, transport and many more.

As well as job opportunities there will also be several apprenticeship providers who are currently recruiting for new apprentices. An apprenticeship offers a great opportunity to earn while you learn and can help people at any stage in life. Search for apprenticeships in Chesterfield by visiting: www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/become-an-apprentice-in-chesterfield/find-an-apprenticeship-in-chesterfield

The event is free for local businesses to attend and advertise vacancies, if you wish to have a stall at the event please email: chimene.cutler@dwp.gov.uk

Cllr Serjeant with employees from Chesterfield Borough Council

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DBC Training launches drive to get more people in Chesterfield ‘apprenticeship ready’

A Chesterfield skills provider is launching a series of skills workshops, aimed at encouraging more people in the town to take up an apprenticeship.

The ‘Get Apprenticeship Ready’ course, being launched by DBC Training will prepare people for the world of work, by helping residents with a range of topics to boost their confidence when applying for roles.

This includes providing details on how to write a stand-out CV, cover letter and application. The training also includes advice on how to perform well in interviews and in the workplace.

The two-day course, taking place on 23rd and 24th March, can be delivered at one of the company’s training centres, and can also be provided remotely.

Commenting on the initiative, Lewis Silcock, Learner Engagement Officer at DBC Training said: “It is SO important to get more young people into apprenticeships, but a lot of young people don’t have all the information to make the right choice for them.

“The skills and experience a young person will gain from doing an apprenticeship will really prepare them for their future career, plus the increase in a young, skilled workforce will benefit local employers massively as they’ll gain a hard working, knowledgeable young person, full of fresh, new ideas, who has been exposed to the workplace early on in their life.

“They will know what it means to have responsibility and will be keen to showcase their skills to their employer. The more skilled young people we have, the more the local area will thrive and motivate the next generation of would be apprentices.”

“There are over 600 apprenticeship standards at all different levels, so there really is an apprenticeship for everyone.”

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.

Apprentice Town aims to increase the number, levels and quality of apprenticeships available by raising awareness of apprenticeship opportunities in Chesterfield including traineeships, higher Level Apprenticeships and align these with opportunities emerging in the local economy.

In addition, DBC Training is also carrying out a course aimed at helping people in Chesterfield from a wide variety of backgrounds to boost their mathematics and money saving skills. Multiply will be running later this month, from 13th-16th March.

Lewis added: “The course’s focus is to assist people in saving money from bills to their regular food shop. It will also support people in becoming more energy efficient also helping to save on cost of energy bills with energy efficient cooking methods.

“Multiply also offer insights in hidden labour and jobs markets, tools and services to help you find employment.In addition to this it offers help to improve everyday maths skills which you can apply to various aspects of day to day life. IN the current climate I really believe we can help benefit local people in and around chesterfield.

Find out more about the latest courses on offer with DBC Training at:  https://www.dbc-training.co.uk/

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

multiply dbc

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Develop skills for life in hospitality, leisure, and tourism

Are you searching for job opportunities? Whether it be a part time or full time role, a career in hospitality, leisure and tourism can help you develop skills for life.

A career in the sector is exciting due to the diverse range of job roles. You could find yourself working in events, food services, accommodation, entertainment, tourist services and more. Whatever area you choose, there are plenty of roles to choose from, along with career progression opportunities.

There’s no better way to learn about the skills developed working in the sector, than straight from the individuals that work in hospitality, leisure and tourism.

What’s it like working in hospitality?

With Chesterfield being an ideal base to visit the Peak District, the town is home to many hospitality venues.

Meet Matthew Clark, Conference Events Co-ordinator at Chesterfield’s Casa Hotel. He demonstrates how quickly you can progress in the industry. Matthew first had a taste of working in hospitality whilst completing his work experience at school in a large chain hotel – the same place he worked his first full time role.

Barca Bar at Casa 2022

Matthew said: “I left school and returned to the hotel, this time as a full time receptionist. I quickly learnt the ropes and progressed to a supervisory position. Being front facing and having that guest interaction daily was a part of the job that I loved. However, I was ready to ‘fly the nest’ and move onto an exciting challenge to push my career forward. This is when I found Casa and a new opportunity.

“I joined the Casa team in 2021 as a reservations co-ordinator. This helped me gain further knowledge of the hotel system as well as reservations and revenue. Whilst in this role I also began to assist our Events Co-ordinators in booking small meeting rooms and functions. This again sparked another interest of mine!

“Fast forward to now, I am a Conference and Events Co-ordinator here at Casa, planning events for up to 200 people from conferences and corporate dinners, to milestone family functions. My interest in hospitality was planted by the idea of guest happiness, and I now organise our clients’ great occasions with their satisfaction at the heart of what I do. What better way to be a part of our guests’ journey than planning their special event!”

Is there progression opportunities in hospitality?

Charlotte Brook

Charlotte Brook is HR Officer at DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park, she demonstrates how you can progress your career with transferable skills. She explained: “Working in the hospitality industry over the years has given me so much job satisfaction. Every day is different, whether it be running a wedding or celebrating a guests special birthday. I have learnt many transferable skills that have helped in every position I have held in my hospitality career. One of the highlights of my learning was a trip to Malaga, Spain to learn how to be a Hilton Trainer, something I will never forget!

“As a result of the transferable skills learnt during my management roles, I progressed into a HR officer position. The progression opportunities in hospitality are endless and I would recommend anyone thinking about joining the industry to give it a go. You never know where it will take you and the opportunities that may arise.”

What’s it like working in leisure?

Leisure is all about what people like to do and experience in their free time. Chesterfield’s event and festival programme helps to attract people to spend their leisure time here in Chesterfield, and one of the annual favourites is the Tapton Lock Festival, which is organised by Junction Arts.

Martha Bramwell started working at Junction Arts as a part-time intern, before progressing to Projects Assistant through an apprenticeship. She said: “I always knew I wanted to work in the community arts and leisure sector. I love working on projects such as the Tapton Lock Festival, as it brings together the amazing people that make up our Chesterfield community.”

Martha’s apprenticeship has allowed her to gain hands-on experience and an advanced education without going to university. She explained: “My time at Junction Arts will provide me the skills and experience to build a lifelong career.

“Every day I feel motivated. I’m excited to come to work and learn something new every day, knowing the work I do helps to create change in my local community. I couldn’t wish for a better team – I feel supported and guided in all aspects of my work. Once I have completed my apprenticeship, I will be continuing my work at Junction Arts as a project assistant.”

Gain experience and skills for life

Working in hospitality, leisure and tourism can help develop your career not only in these sectors but also other industries. We spoke to two local apprentices who demonstrate just that.

Jake Taylor worked as a chef for 5 years before becoming a Level 3 Digital Support Technician at Addooco IT. He said: “Working as a chef provided me with key communication and timing skills. My ability to carry out jobs quickly and efficiently has aided me in my new job.

“Every day is a learning day at Addooco and the natural curiosity that comes with the territory of being a chef is something that I hope will push me into a big future within the company and industry.”

Ria Smith worked as a waitress prior to completing her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship at Peak Pharmacy. She explained: During my time as a waitress I developed key transferable skills which have helped me within my new career in many ways; I have completed my apprenticeship in 12 months, rather than 18 and I am given more responsibility.

Having completed my apprenticeship, I have progressed within Peak Pharmacy and been enrolled on another course which I can then build on in the future.”

Fancy working in hospitality, leisure and tourism?

You can develop skills for life in hospitality, leisure and tourism and they can help to progress your career, either within the sector or a different industry. The leisure and tourism offering in Chesterfield means there are many career opportunities available.

Search apprenticeship job opportunities in Chesterfield…

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Chesterfield is open for business as Council approves new growth strategy

An ambitious plan which sets out a long-term vision for economic growth – including a focus on quality jobs for local people, access to higher level skills, and environmental sustainability – has been approved by Chesterfield Borough Council.

The new four-year Growth strategy (2023 – 2027) represents a long-term commitment from the council to make Chesterfield a thriving borough by strengthening local skills provision, supporting local businesses and further cementing Chesterfield’s role as a visitor destination.

It builds on the success of the last decade which has seen the creation of more than 2000 new jobs and more than 500 new businesses operating in the area, along with significant regeneration and investment across the borough.

The strategy – which was approved at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday 22 February – also has environmental sustainability at its heart, supporting the target of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This strategy is vital to ensuring our borough remains a thriving place to live and work, where everyone has the opportunity to boost their skills, and has access to quality jobs.

“It’s also crucial that we build environmental considerations into our long-term plans, as part of our ongoing commitment to create a sustainable borough for future generations and ensuring we do all we can to reduce carbon emissions.

“The plan builds on our successes over the last ten years including the creation of more than 2000 jobs, and with over 500 new businesses operating in the area.”

The strategy includes five key objectives, which are:

  1. Help businesses to grow and secure new business investment in the borough.
  2. Build a competitive place infrastructure that accelerates employment and housing growth.
  3. Strengthen the distinctive character and vibrancy of our town centres
  4. Develop Chesterfield’s role as a visitor destination and as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
  5. Ensure local people have the right skills to support progression in the labour market and benefit from future employment opportunities.

Councillor Gilby added: “Despite the ongoing economic challenges which are facing towns and cities across the country, Chesterfield is not standing still – we are an ambitious borough and this strategy reflects that. It focusses on higher value growth while balancing our commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.”

Within each of the strategy’s objectives, several key activities have been developed. For example, to help encourage growth the current Innovation Support Programme will continue to run for the benefit of local businesses.

Projects like the Derbyshire Rail Investment Vehicle (DRIIVe) and Construction Skills Hub – both of which are being funded through the Staveley Town Deal – will help deliver new training facilities to ensure local people can develop the skills to access high quality careers.

Regeneration within Chesterfield town centre, including the Stephenson Memorial Hall renovation and Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will continue to contribute to strengthening the town’s position as a visitor destination and to meet the needs of residents. These are complemented by the HS2 Station Master Plan, the £340 million Chesterfield Waterside scheme and the major PEAK resort development which promises to be a landmark tourist destination within the borough.

The full strategy is available to read on the council’s website here.

town hall drone shot

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , ,

University of Derby named in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers for its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion at work

The University of Derby, which runs courses from Chesterfield’s St. Helena’s Campus has been ranked in Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers for the first time.

Compiled by Stonewall, Europe’s largest charity for lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer rights, the widely anticipated list recognises employers who support LGBTQ+ employees to be themselves at work.

The University of Derby joins a number of construction firms and legal, health, finance and education providers who made it onto the list. In addition, the institution has also received the Stonewall Gold Employer Award for the second year running.

Over the past year the University has run a variety of campaigns and initiatives to help raise LGBTQIA+ awareness among its employees and to promote an inclusive environment across its campuses in Derby, Buxton and Chesterfield. These include mentoring and coaching programmes, staff training, and development of its LGBT+ Allies staff network.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: “I am delighted that the University has been recognised by Stonewall for the continuing emphasis we place on supporting all people to be themselves. The Top 100 ranking and the Gold Employer Award reflect the work we have done to emphasise our commitment to inclusion, and demonstrate that our University is a safe and inclusive environment for our staff and students to work and study.”

Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers List 2023 is the UK’s leading ranking of employers from public, private and third sectors on how inclusive their workplaces are.

Nancy Kelley, CEO of Stonewall, said: “It’s been fantastic to see all of the work put in by the University of Derby over the past year to create a workplace where LGBTQ+ staff feel free to thrive as themselves.

“For many of us, the majority of our time is spent at work, so if we have to hide who we are it can take an enormous personal toll and hold us back from fulfilling our true potential. Creating environments where we can all feel comfortable makes our workplaces a safer, better and friendlier place for everyone and helps staff be proud of who they are.”

Stonewall’s Top 100 list is compiled through submissions to a free, voluntary benchmarking tool, the Workplace Equality Index. All submissions are then marked against thorough and standardised criteria and the Top 100 are picked out by Stonewall for their excellent work in creating inclusive workplaces for their LGBTQ+ staff.

Stonewall was founded in 1989 by a small group of people who wanted to break down barriers to equality. It continues to campaign on LGBT Equality, as well as work with employers and schools to create environments which allow LGBTQ+ people to thrive.

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.

Univerity of Derby

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Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group continues drive to promote skills & talent in the sector

Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Group is continuing to address skills shortages in the sector by working in collaboration with the public sector and education providers.

This was evidenced recently at the town’s Employability and Skills Conference, which saw more than a hundred delegates discuss the current skills landscape in the town.

At the conference, Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director at the Devonshire Group updated attendees on the exciting Construction Skills Hub, which is set to be developed in Mastin Moor.

The hub will provide a live learning environment for apprentices in the town, in order to help them gain vital skills and experience, helping people in Chesterfield build strong careers in the property and construction sector.

In the East Midlands, an extra 17,500 construction workers will be needed from 2023-2027, an annual requirement of 3,500 new workers every year.

We spoke to Andrew at the conference to get his thoughts on the current skills landscape across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, and how local organisations are working to meet the demand.

We’ve heard in recent times a lot about skills shortages in the property and construction sector. To what extent is this affecting the industry?

“One of the problems the property and construction sector faces at the moment, is that its workforce is getting older. We need to begin bringing in the next generation.

“The next generation can help us contribute towards solving the housing crisis, delivering the employment and industrial growth that we want to see in the country, and helping to deliver the physical, social and green infrastructure needed to help us meet that key target of net-zero by 2050.”

What can Chesterfield and North Derbyshire firms do to bring more skilled and talented people into their companies?

“We’ve been here at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Skills and Employability Conference today (Wednesday, 8th February), hearing from both the education sector and industry about the skills that are needed.

“My key message for people in industry and the property and construction sector, is to get involved!

“It is incumbent on us to actually make a difference, get involved and encourage people into what we do. We should be proud of it.”

For a young person, how rewarding can a career in the property and construction sector be?

“I absolutely love the business that I’m in and I love the property and construction sector. The people I meet, the problems I solve, and the fact that I’m part of teams that build the places that we live, work and play in.

“To come away from a project and know that you were actually a part of it, and that project is going to be there for years to come is a great feeling.”

Tell us about the partnership working taking place locally to encourage the growth of skills in the property and construction sectors.

“You’ll have heard a lot about the work that we’re doing as part of the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group.

In the forum, we launched a pilot scheme for women in construction. That is a mentoring scheme where women who are already in the property and construction business, have been mentoring pupils in years 10 and 11 across local schools in Chesterfield.

The second way we’ve been making a difference is the work we have been doing with Parkside School. Members from the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group have been into the school, carrying out a speed networking session with the pupils to show them the range of careers and projects that we get involved in. We answered some of their questions and tried to light that spark so that they take more of an interest in what we do.

I’d also like to refer to the Construction Skills Hub that we’ve been working to deliver with Chesterfield College, Chesterfield Borough Council and the University of Derby. This will be delivered on-site at Mastin Moor across the course of 2023.

New apprentices will be able to learn the skills that the industry needs at the moment, alongside what the industry is going to need in the future to hit those net-zero targets.”

With a range of regeneration projects taking place in Chesterfield currently, do you feel it’s an exciting time to get into the profession?

“The sector is always exciting, but it is particularly exciting in Chesterfield at the moment because there is so much going on.

You see the schemes at Chesterfield Waterside, the work that we’re doing over at Mastin Moor, work that we’re looking to do over at Markham Vale and the regeneration of Staveley.

There is an awful lot going on in Chesterfield at the moment, so it really is a great time. What I would say though, is that it is always a great time to be getting involved in the industry.

If you’re not building it, you’re usually planning for it or trying to solve the problems that make it happen, so the key thing is to get involved!”

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 the range of activities and initiatives being carried out by Chesterfield Property and Construction Group at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/propertygroup/

andrew byrne devonshire group

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Conference hears how public, private and education collaboration is set to address construction sector skills gaps

A powerful collaboration between Chesterfield’s public, private and education sectors – working alongside Chesterfield Borough Council – is set to roll out two initiatives which will address skills shortages within the construction sector.

The initiatives – Careers Made in Chesterfield and the Construction Skills Hub – were showcased at the annual Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference, held on 8 February at The Winding Wheel Theatre.

Currently being piloted with Parkside Community School, the Careers Made in Chesterfield initiative aims to deliver careers support and guidance in schools and also forge links with businesses within the local construction and property sector. Already, the initiative is reporting increased interest in construction careers from the pupils who have been involved with the pilot.

Mr Riggott, Headteacher, Parkside Community School, said: “The Careers Made in Chesterfield pilot represented a step change in creating sustained connections between our Year 10 students and some great local companies. Our students loved it!

“This model is fantastic for a number of reasons. Perhaps most importantly, students build their knowledge of and relationships with employers across the programme, which in turn enhances their confidence and the likely outcomes of work experience following an extremely informed choice.

“I am a huge believer in the power of schools working closely with local companies in this way. As a school leader, I have seen first-hand the transformational potential of such partnerships, including through the hugely successful Avenue School Challenge in 2019 which led to apprenticeships for a number of our students following the programme.  As a parent, this year I have also seen one of my sons begin a degree apprenticeship with the company with whom he completed work experience back in Year 10.”

Careers in Chesterfield has been supported by the Chesterfield Property and Construction Forum, which is led by Andy Dabbs, a Chartered Architect and Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects. Members of the Forum have delivered in-school talks, hands-on activities, and workshops to raise awareness of the sector and jobs and roles available within it to the entire Year 10 group at Parkside Community School.

Mr Dabbs said: “Collaboration between businesses and schools is crucial in addressing the skills shortage in the property and construction industry. The Property and Construction Forum’s involvement in the Careers Made in Chesterfield pilot is a prime example of the importance of creating pathways for young people to enter the sector. Without these efforts, the industry’s growth will be hindered, both regionally and nationally.”

Subject to funding, Chesterfield Borough Council will work with partners to roll out the Careers Made in Chesterfield initiative to more schools and sectors across the borough from September 2023.

Mr Riggott added: “Chesterfield schools, the College, other education providers and businesses have a real opportunity to work with Chesterfield Borough Council and sector forums on programmes like the Careers Made in Chesterfield project and to shape wider skills planning for an exciting future for our young people.  We are very much looking forward to being part of that work.”

Both locally and regionally, the construction sector is suffering a skills shortage. In the East Midlands an extra 17,500 construction workers will be needed from 2023-2027, an annual requirement of 3,500 new workers every year.

Cllr Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “We’re proud to support and strengthen partnerships between businesses, education, and the public sector, by bringing together these sectors we can help ensure that young people receive the training and support they need to develop great careers in Chesterfield. This is all about ensuring that our borough continues to thrive and that the quality of life for local people is improving.

“We’ll continue to proactively support initiatives like this conference and Careers Made in Chesterfield because they really do help ensure young people can have the best start to their careers and can then stay and progress in Chesterfield. Developing skills though is not just about helping young people and our new Construction Skills Hub will help people who want to retrain and access careers in construction.”

Toby Perkins MP for Chesterfield and Staveley, and Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education, said:   “It was great to hear how much commitment there was to apprenticeships and the value of careers guidance to open young people’s careers. I would encourage more businesses to investigate opportunities to take on apprentices and for learners to consider whether an apprenticeship might be for them.

I was also glad to explain how our proposed reforms would improve careers guidance and increase apprenticeship opportunities.”

Further addressing the increasing construction skills shortage within Chesterfield, the Construction Skills Hub in Mastin Moor will welcome learners from autumn this year.

Funded through the Staveley Town Deal, the skills hub will provide a practical platform for construction training, careers activity and work experience on a live construction site.

Initially the Skills Hub will provide training in site and bench joinery, brickwork, ground works and electrical installation but in time the offer will expand to include training in retrofit and green technologies. It will be open to school leavers and other residents seeking to train or retrain.

The Hub will provide training, careers insights, and work experience for more than 5,000 learners over 10 years.

Chesterfield College with support from the University of Derby have been appointed to deliver the training. It will be delivered in collaboration the Devonshire Group, which is bringing forward a new housing development in Mastin Moor.

Speaking at the conference Principal and CEO of the Chesterfield College Group Julie Richards said: “We firmly believe in providing the skills and experience necessary for a successful career to support the local economy we serve. We must work in collaboration with local employers and other stakeholders. As such, we’re delighted to be part of a variety of significant local projects such as partnering with Devonshire Group for the Construction Skills Hub servicing Staveley and surrounding areas.

“The unique initiative provides a huge variety of work-based training opportunities on one of the largest housing developments in local history delivering qualifications from Entry Level to Higher Education progression in partnership with the University of Derby.

“To provide a pipeline of highly skilled workers for years to come the hub has a firm focus on skills for the future and will deliver both traditional trade skills alongside cutting edge methods of construction including low carbon technologies.”

The annual free-to-attend conference, which aims to strengthen links between education providers and businesses, was organised by Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield, with support from Derbyshire North Careers Hub. It was attended by businesses, schools and education providers in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Businesses and schools that wish to register their interest in the Careers Made in Chesterfield initiative, are urged to contact Emily Williams, Skills Delivery Officer at Chesterfield Borough Council on 01246 959717.

employability-Cllr-Serjeant-with-Whittington-Green

Pupils from Whittington Green School welcomed delegates to the conference

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Chesterfield College praised by OFSTED in recent inspection

Chesterfield College has announced it has received a ‘good’ rating by education inspector OFSTED, following an inspection in late 2022.

The college was found to be ‘Good’ across all eight key areas of the key areas of inspection, and also received the highest possible rating for its contribution to meeting skills needs. Inspectors praised the college’s  ‘highly responsive’ approach to the ‘changing needs of the local community’.

Julie Richards, Principal and CEO at Chesterfield College, said: “We are delighted to achieve such a positive Ofsted inspection which is testament to the remarkable staff and students at Chesterfield College.”

“We are particularly pleased to achieve the highest judgement for our contribution to the skills agenda, one of only a handful of providers to be recognised for this across the UK.”

“This demonstrates the college’s ability to support our local businesses and communities to grow and prosper and confirms the positive relationships we have fostered to address the skills needs for the future.”

In the report, OFSTED praised learners at the college, stating:

  •  “Students’ work shows strong critical analysis skills and the ability to understand and analyse complex information.”
  • “Students demonstrate high levels of empathy and maturity in their practical work.”
  • “Many volunteer in valuable community activities. For example, students participate in a clothes swap that promotes sustainability and design clothes with school children that promote inclusivity.”
  • “Students explore each other’s opinions respectfully and can link British values to their subject.”

On standards of teaching at the college, OFSTED commented: 

  • “Teachers set clear expectations for students’ behaviour. Classrooms are calm and productive environments.”
  • “Teachers plan the curriculum effectively to gradually develop students’ and apprentices’ underpinning knowledge and skills”
  • “They use a variety of appropriate activities, provide clear explanations and design good-quality resources. Teachers make good links between theory and practical activities.”
  • “Teachers prepare apprentices well for their final assessments.”
  • “Teachers provide students with good-quality written or spoken feedback. Students understand their strengths and how to improve their work.”
  • “They benefit from a range of opportunities to keep their subject-specific knowledge and skills up to date, such as on-site visits and shadowing activities in industry. They use this experience to enhance the curriculum for students and apprentices. For example, carpentry and joinery teachers receive training on sustainable kitchen fitting and share this with students.”

OFSTED also recognised the college’s contribution to meeting skills needs:

  • “The college makes a strong contribution to meeting skills needs.”
  • “Leaders understand very well how they contribute to meeting the skills needs of the local and regional area. They establish several highly beneficial partnerships with relevant stakeholders to support economic recovery and regeneration.”
  • “Leaders and managers involve employers and universities very effectively in curriculum design and implementation.”
  • “Leaders are very proactive in seeking advice on new sector developments and the latest industry standards. They make good use of funding to update premises and purchase industry-standard equipment and resources to meet future skills needs. This equips students very well with the skills they need for their future careers.”
  • “Leaders are highly responsive to the changing needs of the local community, which is rightly valued by their partners. For example, managers quickly adapted the ESOL curriculum as a direct response to the growth of Ukrainian refugees in the area.”

On the support offered to learners, OFSTED said:

  • “Students and apprentices highly value the support and encouragement they receive from staff. Learning, engagement, achievement and progress (LEAP) mentors have a very positive impact on students. They help them to develop useful strategies to manage their physical and mental health.”
  • “Students and apprentices feel safe at college or at work. They have access to a wellbeing hub, where they can receive specialist advice and support. Staff are vigilant, and students and apprentices are confident that any concerns that they raise will be dealt with effectively by staff.”
  • “Students, including those with high needs, have access to a wide range of clubs and societies”
  • “Students with additional needs are identified quickly, and appropriate support is put in place to meet their needs. Teachers support students with special educational needs and/or disabilities who move from pathway courses into vocational courses well. They ensure learning support staff are consistent and that any ongoing support strategies are understood by teachers.”
  • “Managers ensure that students and apprentices have access to a wide range of help and support. They work well with local agencies and charities to provide this. Where referrals are made, staff record these in detail and take timely and appropriate actions to support students. The safeguarding team is diligent, reflecting on and developing approaches to supporting students and apprentices.”

In terms of progression and employment for srudents at the Chesterfield College, OFSTED noted: 

  • “Young people set career goals and plan how to achieve them. Apprentices often secure permanent roles following their studies. Adults develop valuable life skills or gain qualifications to help them progress to higher education. Students with high needs have clear progression routes to develop their independence or gain employment.”
  • “Leaders and managers plan the curriculum with a strong focus on progression and employment. For example, there are clear progression routes from entry level pathway courses to vocational courses. Students are well prepared to make the transition because of the subject taster sessions they complete.”
  • “Young people benefit from good opportunities to undertake a range of work-related activities. This includes work experience, guest lecturers, work-related projects and visits and trips. Students with high needs, who study vocational courses, benefit from these high-quality opportunities.”
  • “Careers staff work very closely with curriculum teams to help students, adults, apprentices and students with high needs understand the potential routes available to them.”

Find out more about learning in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/learning/

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.

Julie Richards, CEO at Chesterfield College

 

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Shadow Minister for Skills & Further Education visits Chesterfield’s new Heat Pump Training Academy

Chesterfield’s MP and the Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education recently paid a visit to NIBE’s newly refurbished Training Academy in the area.

Toby Perkins MP met with NIBE’s Managing Director Phil Hurley, where they held discussions on the role of heat pumps in decarbonising the economy and the need to upskill the installer base to meet net zero targets.

Mr Toby Perkins was also given a tour around the firm’s latest heat pump products and smart solutions. The refurbished training centre will provide for increasing the available heat pump installer base in the UK.

Mr Perkins’ visit provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of upskilling the new generation of installers and engineers on the route to net zero – and the drive needed to meet the government’s target of 600,000 heat pump installs per year by 2028.

The Shadow Minister for Skills & Further Education commented: “I was delighted to visit NIBE’s new training academy and very pleased that they have chosen to further invest in Chesterfield. Green investment is vital to the future of our economy and our ability to meet our Net Zero commitments and fight climate change.

“The development of new technologies, such as advanced heat pumps, also requires the development of new skills in the workforce. The NIBE training academy will help provide the next generation of skilled engineers in this sector and provide vital new job opportunities locally.  I look forward to watching their progress and hope to come back and meet some of the people who have been trained here in Chesterfield.”

The NIBE Training Academy in Chesterfield is currently taking bookings for best-in-class comprehensive installation, commissioning, and servicing and maintenance courses, alongside the NIBE Pro installer partnership scheme, providing MCS & NAPIT recognised and Ofqual regulated training and technical support.

The visit follows the academy’s grand re-opening in December, where NIBE was joined by The Worshipful Mayor of Chesterfield Tony Rogers and his wife Mayoress Sharon Rogers for the unveiling. Attendees got the chance to gain greater insight into the low carbon training opportunities available as NIBE called for a growing installer base.

NIBE Managing Director Phil Hurley said: “It was a pleasure to once again meet our local Chesterfield MP, Toby Perkins, on Friday and to show him around our flagship Training Academy. We held productive talks on the vital need to expand the heat pump installer base in order to meet Government installation targets and how our products will contribute to producing more sustainable heating across the country.”

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

Phil Hurley meets Toby Perkins MP

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Chesterfield’s communities and economy set to benefit from £2.6 million investment

Projects which will support the growth of local businesses, strengthen communities, improve local parks, and boost skills opportunities for local people are amongst a package of initiatives which are set to get underway across the borough.

Residents and businesses will benefit from a range of new and extended projects which have been given the green light after Chesterfield Borough Council secured £2.6m worth of funding from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The council was selected as a lead authority to benefit from the national funding pot, after its ambitious three-year investment plan – setting out a range of initiatives to improve life for local people – was approved by Government.

A total of £2.69m of UKSPF funding will be spent across the borough over the next three years, with projects including:

  • Improvements to local parks, greens spaces and outdoor sports facilities to provide residents with even better access to quality outdoor facilities across the borough
  • Help for local businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, contributing towards the council’s goal of creating a net zero borough by 2050
  • Grants to help community and voluntary groups fund grassroots projects
  • Funding to support entertainment in Chesterfield town centre and across the borough, including speciality markets
  • Investment in anti-social behaviour initiatives, which will help to tackle the root causes of nuisance behaviour, in line with the council’s new anti-social behaviour strategy
  • Continued support to help local businesses start and grow, and to boost opportunities for local people to learn new skills
  • Investment in tourism and marketing campaigns to support Chesterfield’s appeal as a destination for visitors

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the council, said: “We were pleased to secure this funding for our local communities. It will mean people and businesses across the borough will benefit from a range of new and extended projects which are designed to improve neighbourhoods, boost local businesses, strengthen support for local skills development and help Chesterfield borough remain a thriving place to live, work and visit.

“The funding was confirmed in December and the council has this week received a report to formally accept the funding and to establish new posts to support project delivery. Subject to final approval by full council in February, we will be moving ahead to deliver a raft of initiatives that will make a real difference to the everyday lives of the borough’s residents.

“Some of these projects will see us working closely with our partners and our communities, and we’ll be sharing more information about individual projects – and how local people and businesses can benefit – over the coming months.”

The primary goal of the UKSPF is to build pride of place, via three investment priorities: communities and place; supporting local business; and people and skills – the key themes which underpin the council’s three-year investment plan.

 

 

Chesterfield Town Hall

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