Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield celebrates National Manufacturing Day 2022

We are celebrating manufacturers across Chesterfield today, as National Manufacturing Day 2022 is marked around the UK.

If you look closely, you’ll discover there is a strong manufacturing network in Chesterfield, helping to provide quality jobs, skills and growth to the local economy.

Destination Chesterfield helps to support the sector, by hosting the regular Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Manufacturing Forum.

The idea for Manufaturing Day 2022 came from Make UK, the manufacturers organisation. CEO Stephen Phipson commented: “This is a sector with amazing opportunities and we hope this first National Manufacturing Day will give people who have never had the chance to see inside their local businesses just what is going on and the opportunities available to them.”

We’ve pulled together a roundup of some of the great activity our local manufacturers have been getting involved with recently, showing the range of initiatives taking place amongst sector leaders in Chesterfield.

If you’re taking part in any activity on the day, we’d love to hear from you! Tag us in your social media posts at @DesChes on Twitter, or on the Destination Chesterfield Facebook and Linkedin pages.

MTM Products to open its doors to visitors

To mark the occasion, Local firm MTM Products Ltd is opening its doors to the whole community, showcasing potential careers and jobs on offer and running ‘through the keyhole’ tours of the business throughout the day.

MTM Products has been part of the Chesterfield community, manufacturing plastic labels & signs, aluminium and stainless-steel nameplates, graphic overlays and vinyl cut decals to OEM’s in the UK and EU for over 40 years. Along with other manufacturers from across the UK joining companies from aerospace to food and drink, the company will host a gigantic celebration to showcase production operations, how the company works and to put on a series of fun events throughout the day. Visitors will be able to talk directly to members of staff about how the firm’s operations work and what opportunities there might be available in the business.

Mark Niblett, Managing Director – Designate of MTM Products said: “We are delighted to be taking part in National Manufacturing Day showcasing our products, processes, tools and people. National Manufacturing Day gives us an opportunity to open our doors to interact with students, teachers and career advisors to visit our manufacturing facilities, showcasing the exciting opportunities of offer and ‘get behind the scenes of success’.

“As a growing company, we are continuously seeking creative designers and innovative engineers to get involved and help us to produce customer specific products. Our company can offer a diverse range of career opportunities from administration and logistics, design, engineering, finance, marketing and communication, product development, production, research and more.

“We are looking forward to local residents, school students and parents visit us for a day. Visitors will be able to meet our team and hear first-hand what inspired them to join us.”

Manufacturing leaders of tomorrow

Chesterfield is home to a number of apprentices working in the manufacturing and engineering sector.

If you are interested in a career in manufacturing, check out this blog where you can learn more about the roles in the sector from current apprentices as they talk about their career.

Made in Chesterfield campaign to inspire the next generation of manufacturers

Made in Chesterfield is a celebration of the manufacturing, engineering, science and technology industries and careers in the town.  The campaign looks to inspire the next generation to the industry, with businesses, schools and training providers coming together to showcase the sector.

Tours of local manufacturing businesses for schools are taking place once again this year. These tours allow students to discover more about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths careers in and around Chesterfield.

Manufacturers involved in Made In Chesterfield include: CBE+, United Cast Bar, Superior Wellness, MSE Hiller, Penny Hydraulics, Aztec Oils and Weightron Bilanciai.

A Business drop-in session will take place at United Cast Bar on Thursday 14th July  for businesses to learn more about getting involved with the initiative. Local businesses in the manufacturing, engineering, property and construction sectors can book a place here.

CBE+ will host a tour of its factory as part of a ‘Backing Britain’ event

On Friday, 8th August Chesterfield Champion, CBE+ is set to host a tour of its factory, alongside business networking as part of a ‘Backing Britain’ Live breakfast event.

CBE+ are leaders in electroless nickel plating, precision engineering, gear cutting and laboratory testing, wire EDM, assembly, surface treatment & pressure testing.

Superior Wellness listed in the FEBE 100 growth index

Chesterfield’s Superior Wellness ranks 18th on the Growth 100: an annual list that reveals Britain’s fastest-growing privately owned businesses in the country where the founder or founders are still involved.

Superior Wellness leads the market as the world’s fastest growing hot tub manufacturer, creating premium, high quality products focused on improving your health and well-being.

In 2021 Superior Wellness moved into its brand-new headquarters in Chesterfield and has also recently opened a 10,000 sq. ft showroom with training facilities. The team headcount has also doubled to almost 70.

Chesterfield Manufacturers listed in Derbyshire’s top 200 businesses

A recent list of the top 200 businesses in Derbyshire, compiled by researchers at the University of Derby shone a light on the scale of Chesterfield’s manufacturing and engineering sector.

Included in the list were industry-leading firms based in our town, such as Robinson, Global Brands, Atlas Copco, Coster Aerosols, Xtratherm UK and many more.

Find out more about the list here.

East Midlands Chamber’s Manufacturing Support Network

Manufacturers across the East Midlands are being invited to join a new region-wide, business-led support network, which began in March 2022.

The East Midlands Manufacturing Network aims to help manufacturers share best practices and experience in a trusted peer environment; focus on issues and challenges that are a priority for manufacturing businesses; better understand the financial support on offer for their industry; and tap into specialist consultancy and advice on regulation and compliance.

Diane Beresford, deputy chief executive of East Midlands Chamber, said: “The East Midlands is a region with a strong manufacturing heritage and with the potential to have an equally strong future. What better way to secure the future success of manufacturing in our region than by bringing together key knowledge and skills to form a dedicated, supportive peer network. That’s why it’s so important the Chamber leads on this.”

Robinson celebrates 1st full year of sustainability pledge

Robinson, the manufacturer specialising in value-added custom packaging – is celebrating the successful first anniversary of its Sustainability Pledge.

Helene Roberts, CEO, says: “Our sustainability pledge helps bring our purpose to life – going above and beyond to create a sustainable future for our people and our planet. This underpins our business strategy and is focused on five pillars and 15 ambitious commitments which are woven into the fabric of our business. We have achieved many of our goals ahead of time and we are proud to celebrate a very successful first year”.

People successes included the introduction of a ‘People development plan’, Zero accidents and proactively championing employee health and wellbeing. An organisational culture survey for the entire workforce compared Robinson to some of the world’s most successful businesses identifying strengths which led to more teamwork and empowerment.

Other activities included enhanced employee communication, a diversity plan to ensure Robinson benefits from a variety of perspectives, skills and backgrounds, and investment in people development and training.

Pinelog moves to Chesterfield, bringing 30 new manufacturing jobs to the town

A leading manufacturer of timber holiday lodges and buildings, Pinelog Ltd, has relocated its production facility from Bakewell to Chesterfield and created 30 new manufacturing jobs in the town.

Nick Grayson, Chairman of Pinelog Group, a family-owned business which also owns Landal Darwin Forest and Landal Sandybrook Holiday Parks and employs approximately 240 people, made the announcement at the annual Celebrate Chesterfield event held on Wednesday 23 March at the Winding Wheel.

Known as a pioneer in the holiday park sector, the move to Chesterfield marks the end of Pinelog’s 10-year ambition to modernise their premises.

Corrugated Case Company marks 25 years of success

A Chesterfield-based manufacturer specialising in the production of sustainable packaging designs is celebrating 25 years of continued success.

Corrugated Case Company was set up in 1997 and over the years has offered packaging solutions to a number of clients, becoming an established presence within the corrugated market.

As a celebration for the firm’s 25th anniversary, it is hosting a competition for local junior schools to create innovative designs.

Laura Woolley, Internal Sales Co-Ordinator said: “We have given the school a task to complete by the 18th July, where they can either tie in with existing projects or make it a bit of fun before the summer holidays the winners will be drawn on the 20th July digitally.

“Once we have received all the entries in, we will share photos and recognition for there efforts via our social media platforms for taking part. Not only does it allow them to win a prize but its also nice for them to share in our 25th year anniversary celebrations and feel its worthy of sharing with the younger generation.

“It is very important to us to inspire the younger generation and we always do our best to help where we can within the local community.

Pronto Paints supports Wellbeing Challenge for Chesterfield Residents and businesses

Chesterfield’s Pronto Paints is working alongside the organisers of the Redbrik Chesterfield 10k race to promote healthy lifestyles among the town’s business community.

The Wellbeing Challenge offers local businesses the opportunity to gain 10 percent discount on Chesterfield 10k entry fees, as well as recognition from the 10k stakeholders as an organisation that promotes and supports a healthy lifestyle and mental health wellbeing.

David Beckford, Managing Director of Pronto Paints, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor the Wellbeing Challenge once again, after many years of involvement. It’s a great incentive for staff of local businesses like ours to create a running goal and stick to a training plan, while encouraging team members to get stuck into some healthy competition.”

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Derbyshire North Careers Hub celebrates achievements of schools, colleges and businesses

The achievements of a young adult with special educational needs who has secured himself an internship at Chesterfield Royal Hospital – plus an aspiring female electrician engineer – were recognised at an event held to celebrate businesses and educators who have worked together to support hundreds of students in Derbyshire.

The Derbyshire North Careers Hub brings local employers together to work with schools and colleges to support their careers programmes which enable students to choose what they would like to do next, while also ensuring school and college leavers have the skills needed by employers in the region.

Part of a national programme funded by the Careers and Enterprise Company and the Department for Education – and managed locally by D2N2 LEP – the Derbyshire North Careers Hub works with more than 30 schools and colleges as students prepare for their best next steps.

The event, which was held at The Whitworth in Darley Dale, was the first face-to-face meeting the Hub has had since being launched pre-lockdown, in February 2020. Students from The Highfields School, in Matlock, supported on the day.

Eighteen-year-old Jamie, a pupil at Alfreton Park Community Special School, gained valuable work experience with the Woodhead Group; a family-owned group of companies specialising in construction.

He was one of four pupils from the school who took part in a seven-week Supported Insight Scheme, through the Direct Education Business Partnership and part funded by the Careers Hub,  shadowing core areas of the business, visiting sites being developed by the Woodhead Group and spending time in their head office, in Edwinstowe, Mansfield where they were involved in real-life work place tasks such as keeping the building site safe and even brick laying.

Sarah Cutler is programme manager for Direct Education Business Partnership’s special educational needs programmes, supporting various SEND schools in the Derbyshire North Careers Hub. She worked closely with Alfreton Park Community Special School and Woodhead Group.

“Jamie has been a pupil at Alfreton Park since the age of four and, by his own admission, 14 years later, he feels that he needs a change to help with his personal development and wellbeing,” said Sarah.

“He flourished under the guidance of Matt Bust at Woodhead Group, who are one of our Cornerstone group employers and huge supporters of the project. The work experience helped him to gain the confidence he needed to gain a place on an internship at Chesterfield Royal Hospital which, hopefully, can be transferred into paid employment in 12 months’ time.

“On average, the percentage of young people with a Learning Disability in the D2N2 area that is in employment is 1.8%. We need to increase this figure by providing opportunities for these people and working together.

“This figure will increase – it won’t happen overnight – if we continue to do what we are doing.”

As well as being Business Support Manager at Woodhead Group, Matt Bust is enterprise advisor for The Bolsover School – who provided musical entertainment at the event. He said: “We structured each session for the students, and they took part in various tasks that are all relevant to our business.

“We noticed how they had grown and developed throughout the programme. It was a pilot programme, so we had no idea how it would be received, and we had to have flexibility when delivering the project to overcome issues such as covid and transport.

“But it was a huge success and we learned so much from the programme.”

As well as construction, other industries represented in the Careers Hub include healthcare and engineering. Projects that have been funded include Future Makers, Creators, Designers and Builders which brings together a local group of companies from those sectors. Students are given the opportunity to learn about the careers in these industries, plus the pathways into them.

Emma Dando, careers lead at St Mary’s Catholic High School, in Chesterfield, praised the Future Makers scheme, which has played a key role in launching the career of pupil Millie Liversedge.

Millie was mentored by Katie Burnham, who works for construction and property development company Henry Boot.

“I am absolutely delighted for Millie,” she said, “she will leave St Mary’s at the end of Year 12 to take up and apprenticeship with Western Power which, for Millie, is a dream job.

“The Future Makers project gave her the confidence to interview for the apprenticeship and this is definitely the right career path for her.”

The Derbyshire North Careers Hub is part of a national network of hubs, driven by the Careers & Enterprise Company. Evidence published by the company in October last year showed Career Hubs had accelerated overall careers education progress and performance by 56% in 12 months.

When it launched, the Hub worked with 21 schools and colleges but has expanded and now supports 35 schools and colleges. During lockdown, employers found innovative ways to continue working with schools, holding virtual events and sessions so that students could be supported in choosing their next step after education.

One of those employers, Fortem, delivered an interactive workshop during this time to Ashgate Croft – the first time that the property solutions experts have worked with a special school.

Marie Cooper, Group CEO of CBE+, explained the impact of the Cornerstone group of employers; a group of flagship businesses – including Fortem – carrying out exemplary work to support schools and colleges develop careers programmes and then sharing their best practice with others.

She said: “If we don’t engage as businesses in educating and inspiring the young people in Derbyshire, then who is going to be running these businesses in the future?

“The only way we can do that powerfully is to collaborate; collaborate as companies, education partners, schools and colleges.

“There are some businesses, responsible businesses in Derbyshire, but there are some that need educating. I hear that they haven’t got the resources or they’re too busy to do this; but there is so much support out there for those of all levels.”

Lana Jay, Strategic Careers Hub Lead at D2N2, added: “It was great to celebrate the amazing work that is happening across the Derbyshire North Careers Hub.

“Since our launch, we have developed stronger relationships with schools and colleges we support, and we have increased engagement with businesses in the local area and strengthened our local authority and partner relationships.

“This event was a chance to celebrate the successes and showcase some of those fantastic projects that have taken place.”

Derbyshire North Careers Hub, Woodhead Group. CBE+, Fortem, Chesterfield Royal Hospital, DEBP and Mortgage 1st support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield firms included in England’s top 50 SME apprentice employers

Chesterfield barbers Less Than Zero has been included in the annual list of top 50 best SME apprenticeship employers across the country.

The business based on Soresby Street in the town centre ranked 36th in England for taking on and developing apprentices.

The Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers 2022 recognises leading small & medium-sized apprenticeship employers for their commitment to employing apprentices, their creation of new apprenticeships, the diversity of their new apprentices, and the progression of their apprentices onto further apprenticeships and employment.

The new annual rankings have been developed by the Department for Education, in partnership with High Fliers Research.

Martin Wallis-Keyworth, Owner of Less Than Zero commented: “We are over the moon. To know that we’d been nominated for it at all was amazing. We then knew we were finalists for the Top 100 then invited to an online TV announcement but we still thought we’d hadn’t been successful and when we hadn’t reached the 51 to 100 we actually logged off.

“That evening we looked at our emails and had 120 unread messages we knew something had happened and the first email we saw was a congratulations from the “Investors In People”.”

Martin explained how his business has worked with its apprentices to achieve the accolade: “It’s about the mindset of the apprentice and the employer being as one. Added to this a supportive and professional learning provider. We’ve been partners of the best for over 4 years now, Realise Training who were given the amazing accolade of Apprentice Training Provider 2022.

“Apprentices are the life blood of the company as they are the next generation of talent. We are always on the lookout to grow our team both in numbers but more importantly talent therefore in terms of people we ensure everyone has a Personal Development Plan and the necessary support in the company to ensure that’s understood and delivered. ”

For businesses considering taking on an apprentice in Chesterfield, Martin had the following advice: “Apprentices aren’t right for all business or put it more specifically, not every business of right for an apprentice.

“There’s a level of maturity needed within the business and also within the apprentice to understand Apprenticeships aren’t a quick fix they are part of a long journey of continual development and that sticking with it is what’s needed. Within my business sector, barbering, it offers learners and new entrants and amazing opportunity to have an amazing lifelong skill, have fun, have opportunities opened up that only superstars can dream of and earn great money.

“We try and empower our apprentices whether that’s a work experience starter on an NVQ Level 1  or a manager within the business on a Level 6.”

Meanwhile fellow Chesterfield company, Clee Hill Plant were also named in the list, with the firm ranking highest out of all plant hire companies in the UK.

Clee Hill has maintained a successful Apprentice Scheme for over twenty-five years which is an important element of its Business Development Strategy for the future.

Gavin Kirk, HR Manager, said: “Clee Hill Plant has a long history of supporting apprentices through their training programmes and enabling them to obtain a nationally recognised qualification in plant maintenance and repair.

“We are extremely proud of our apprenticeship pass rate and retention, with over 40 per cent of our operational employees either undergoing apprenticeship training or having completed their programme and choosing to continue their career with Clee Hill Plant.

“Apprentices who have completed their apprenticeships with us have progressed to become highly competent and experienced Plant Engineers, either workshop based or mobile.

“We offer a three-year advanced apprenticeship in plant maintenance and repair with training taking place ‘on the job’ and through block release at college.”

To find out more about apprenticeships in Chesterfield, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/

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

 

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Businesses called on to get involved with Made in Chesterfield 2022

Made in Chesterfield, the campaign designed to bring engineering, manufacturing, property and construction businesses together with schools and training providers, is returning in November and Destination Chesterfield is urging businesses to get involved.

The annual campaign, which will run from 7 November – 2 December now in its eighth year. It has already introduced thousands of young people across North East Derbyshire to the wide range of careers available in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) sector.

With the skills shortage in the STEM sector becoming an even bigger issue for businesses, Made in Chesterfield 2022 aims to inspire a new generation of employees to join the sector.

Since the campaign’s inception, more than 3,500 young people from schools have spent time in the area’s manufacturing and engineering businesses and Chesterfield College has seen an increase in the number of students getting involved in STEM related subjects. Now, following its success, the campaign is welcoming businesses in the property and construction sector to take part.

Sponsored by The Chesterfield College Group, Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP), supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire North Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd and NatWest.

The organisation of Made in Chesterfield is financially supported by the D2N2 Derbyshire North Careers Hub as part of their regional Open Doors programme.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “There’s a huge skills gap and an ageing workforce issue within the engineering, manufacturing, property and construction sectors. Made in Chesterfield is helping local businesses take those all-important steps needed to inspire the next generation and build a strong recruitment pipeline for future growth and stability.

“The workplace tours, which are organised as part of Made in Chesterfield, are a fantastic way to introduce your business to young people who are at school and college now, showing them the number of high-quality career opportunities available on their doorstep.”

Julie Richards, Principle and CEO of Chesterfield College Group commented: “’We’re delighted to continue our support for the Made in Chesterfield initiative. The growth of engineering, science, technology and manufacturing locally is something we have mirrored in our curriculum and facilities with investment in the latest technologies, such as 3D printing and augmented reality, all with a focus on sustainability.

“Our commitment to the next generation of local workforce is to inspire them and equip them with the skills and experience that sets them up for a successful career in industry. A large part of that relies on the involvement of local employers to provide vital opportunities such as industry placements, work experience, site visits, guest lectures and apprenticeships to help a young person experience an industry. As such, we certainly encourage those businesses not already engaged with Made in Chesterfield to get involved and help to generate the next generation of local workforce.”

Clare Talati, CEO of Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) added: “DEBP looks forward to continuing in our role with Made in Chesterfield. We will be delighted to support businesses in providing fantastic visits for learners; enabling young people to engage with inspirational employers and learn about the amazing employment opportunities on offer locally.”

As well as the workplace tours during Made in Chesterfield, schools can access a range of careers videos and tours of Chesterfield businesses to allow young people to experience the tours, activities and careers information they would receive in person, virtually. Alongside this, young people can access the Myfuture Virtual Careers Exhibition, where they can meet local employers, learn about exciting employment opportunities and much more.

James Brand, Managing Director of United Cast Bar, commented on the importance of developing the workforce of the future: “With an eye on future workforce needs, regularly inviting school children to the foundry through the Made in Chesterfield initiative plays an important part in our recruitment.

Destination Chesterfield is hosting a Made in Chesterfield business drop-in session for those businesses that wish to learn more about the campaign, with a representative from United Cast Bar attending to discuss their experiences and answer any questions. The session will be taking place at United Cast Bar in Chesterfield and will run from 2:00pm – 4:00pm on Thursday 14 July.

If you’re a local manufacturing, engineering, property or construction business that would like to find out more about Made in Chesterfield, please visit the website and register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/made-in-chesterfield-business-drop-in-session-tickets-366705314467

To find out more about how your business can get involved with Made in Chesterfield, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/ or contact Direct Education Business Partnership at madeinchesterfieldvisits@debp.org.

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Essential Site Skills retains place on government register of apprenticeship training providers

Chesterfield’s Essential Site Skills has successfully retained a place on the UK Government’s Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP).

Apprenticeships thrive in businesses with strong learning cultures; they provide a fantastic platform for developing employees, enabling organisations and businesses to grow a skilled workforce who can take on responsibility and act with greater independence.

Providing an equal opportunity for employees to participant in apprenticeship programmes will develop key management skills that they can apply directly into real work-related environments, projects, and tasks while they learn, increasing a manager’s ability to delegate work with confidence.

Essential Site Skills believes the future of businesses requires the responsibility to learn and the responsibility to teach. Apprenticeships, provide the principal building blocks for a culture of learning, they develop careers, keeping employees loyal and more engaged in their work.

Giving individuals the opportunity to combining a qualification with their job through a 12–18-month ‘work-study‘ programme, enables employees to grow professionally, earning while they learn. Consequently, organisations and businesses benefit from the valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied from the beginning of all ‘work-study ‘programmes. If you are an employer looking to up-skill your team, the business case for apprenticeships is a compelling one.

Leighton Arnold, Apprenticeship and Employer Engagement Manager at Essential Site Skills commented: “Apprenticeships are an exciting way to work and study at the same time. Learning new skills while earning a salary and getting a qualification at the end of it.

“For years, Essential Site Skills have been delivering apprenticeships, continues learning and professional development, training, and support into all kinds of industries UK wide.

“It has become ESS mission to secure a talent pipeline, via the correct training and education programmes that have been designed to inspire a workforce to choose and or reset their career path.”

Essential Site Skills already works with organisations and businesses nationally. For organisations and businesses looking to find apprenticeship courses for their workforce, Essential Site Skills are recognised as an approved provider by the ESFA.

For further information on apprenticeships courses with ESS, head over to the company’s website: https://essentialsiteskills.co.uk/apprenticeships

To find out more about apprenticeship opportunities across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/

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

 

 

 

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Double award win for University of Derby at Student Nursing Times Awards

The University of Derby has been recognised at the Student Nursing Times Awards 2022 – taking home accolades for ‘Best Student Experience’ and ‘Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs’.

Community Chesterfield, which is a partnership between the University of Derby and Derbyshire Voluntary Action, won the ‘Best Student Experience’ award, which recognises universities and providers of nurse and/or midwife education that put an emphasis on the overall student experience.This focus ensures students are supported in a learning community that is nurturing of the whole person as well as being conducive to encouraging excellence in learning and sharing best practice.

Faith Vargas, Lecturer in Pre-qualifying Health Care at the University of Derby, said: “Working with Community Chesterfield over the last few years has been such a rewarding part of my role. I have made many new connections that have led to positive experiences for students and the Community Chesterfield team is always eager to collaborate.

“Ultimately, the partnership with Derbyshire Voluntary Action has enabled us to widen our students’ knowledge and exposure to the voluntary sector, it has increased their learning potential and provided them with a unique insight into the role that the community has within the health sector.

“Winning this award is recognition of all the hard work that has gone into this partnership, and it will send a positive message about the University of Derby to future students and other educational institutions. It feels incredible to be a part of this work and I am so proud of the team who have contributed to making this happen.”

Jennifer Raschbauer, Community Chesterfield project manager, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won the ‘Best Student Experience’ award.

“Over the last three years we have created almost 4,000 meaningful connections between the University of Derby and local voluntary sector organisations, so it really recognises the hard work of everyone who has been involved in the Community Chesterfield project – colleagues in the voluntary sector and those at the University of Derby.”

The Student Nursing Times Awards brought together close to 500 talented student nurses, education providers and mentors at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

The University of Derby was shortlisted in multiple categories, taking home two of the top prizes on the night. The ‘Outstanding Contribution to Student Affairs’ category was won by Derby’s Kayty Richards, who is a first-year BSc (Hons) Midwifery student and president of the University’s Midwifery Society ‘Midwifery Rocks’.

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

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Chesterfield businesses encouraged to find out more about recruiting the right talent

Businesses in North Derbyshire can learn how to improve their chances of recruiting the right people at an event next month.

Since 2019, D2N2 Recruiting Talent events have taken place across Derby City and Nottinghamshire, focusing on Inclusive Recruitment. Hundreds of businesses have attended the workshops and networking activities, with experts from a range of organisations helping them to recruit future talent by using more inclusive approaches.

An event is now being planned for North Derbyshire (Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire) taking place on 19th July 2022.

Recruiting Talent is bringing together local businesses and experts. Its partners include: D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, Department of Work and Pensions, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), County and Borough & District Councils, Building Better Opportunities Stakeholder Managers and Local Business Clubs in each district.

North Derbyshire Recruiting Talent Event

Taking place at Chesterfield College, The event will:

  • Help employers to understand the current landscape around employment and skills
  • Include a keynote address from a range of partners
  • Act as a catalyst to positive change around recruitment enabling employers to better prepare and adapt to meet their future recruitment needs
  • Showcase the benefits of inclusive recruitment, with case studies and input from employers who are reaping the benefits of increased productivity and growth
  • Show how you can change the way you recruit to encourage more local people to work for your business and the opportunity to tell us what support you need to make this happen
  • Help to change the way you work to retain your best talent
  • Highlight how your Local Enterprise Partnership (D2N2) and other partners can help your business to increase productivity

The event will be followed by a networking session providing the opportunity to meet local partners that can provide further support. If you are an employer in North Derbyshire, and want to attend the event to share good practice and find out more, click here.

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Children learn more about the Staveley Town Deal

60 local school children visited the canal where they learnt more about the projects being funded through the Staveley Town Deal.

Year six pupils from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School were taken on a trip along the Chesterfield Canal by the Chesterfield Canal Trust after speaking with Ivan Fomin Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board about how the funding will change the town and canal.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It was fantastic to go along and meet these pupils and tell them more about the Town Deal. They had some really great questions and ideas. It’s really important that we engage with everyone about the town deal but particularly important to speak to young people because we want to build a town where they can live, grow and pursue a great career.”

During the visit the pupils travelled along the canal onboard The Madeline through the new Staveley Lock, before walking the length of the canal from Staveley canal basin to Tapton Lock. They also learnt about how the canal has changed over the past 100 years and how it will continue to change with funding through the Town Deal.

Geography field trips like this one are used to observe and record the physical and human geography features of the locations. The geographical focus on this trip was the land use in each area.

Over £25m worth of projects which will benefit Staveley residents for generations to come have been given the official go ahead, after Government approved the package of all eleven projects within the Staveley Town Deal Programme.

It is a significant milestone for the range of projects that will receive funding through the Towns Fund, which are being delivered by a variety of organisations including Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, Staveley Town Council, Barrow Hill Community Trust, Chesterfield Canal Trust, Staveley Miners Welfare Football Club and Tawnywood Ltd.

Together the projects offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to improve the quality of life for residents, create new employment opportunities with higher level skills, ensure it is a place where everyone can be proud to live and guarantee that the town and its residents have a bright future ahead – supporting Staveley as a place to start, stay and grow.

Find out more about regeneration in Staveley at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/staveley/

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

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Recognition for Chesterfield Champions as finalists confirmed for Generation Next Awards

Some of the most promising young talent across businesses in the region has been recognised among the finalists of East Midlands Chamber’s Generation Next Awards 2022.

The shortlist includes Craig Evans of Chesterfield Champion business UKATA, who has been shortlisted for the Future Leader Award. The University of Derby’s Fred Gough also made the list of finalists for the Diversity & Inclusion award.

The second instalment of the awards, held in conjunction with headline partner the University of Derby, recognise young professionals and business leaders aged under 35, as well as organisations led by people in this demographic.

A shortlist has now been revealed across the 10 categories, ranging from a Breakthrough Award and Customer Service Award through to marking Excellence in Innovation and Technology and the Generation Next Future Leader.

New prizes for this year recognise outstanding contributions in diversity and inclusion, arts and culture, corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

A virtual judging day will take place on 8 and 9 June, in which finalists will be interviewed by members of the chamber of commerce’s senior management team, Generation Next board and representative of the sponsor.

Winners will be crowned at an awards ceremony with a twist – featuring street food, cocktails and live music – held at Bustler Market, in Derby, on 14 July.

Lucy Robinson, East Midlands Chamber’s director of resources and Generation Next lead, said: “The Generation Next Awards are a celebration of the rising stars of business who make outstanding contributions to their communities.

“We received some brilliant applications from a diverse breadth of individuals, and our shortlist of finalists offers a glimpse into the amazing young talent that exists here in the East Midlands.”

Finalists were announced at an event held at Cosy Club, in Nottingham, last night (25 May) in which two of the three founders of Derby-based doughnut delivery service Project D – who won the Entrepreneur of the Year category at the inaugural Generation Next Awards – talked about their journey to date and hopes for the future.

Winners will be crowned at an awards ceremony with a twist – featuring street food, cocktails and live music – held at Bustler Market, in Derby, on 14 July.

Tickets cost £65 + VAT for Generation Next members and £75 + VAT for non-members. Early-bird tickets are available at bit.ly/GenNextAwards

UKATA, University of Derby and East Midlands Chamber support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Generation Next Awards 2022 shortlist

Future Leader Award (sponsored by University of Derby)

Craig Evans – UKATA

Matilda Swanson – Loates HR

Mir Patel – Unique Window Systems

Theo Kirk – Express Recruitment

Emma Roberts – Derby Community Parent Programme CIC

Dan Heffernan – D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership

David Maran – MP Digital Limited

Rob Spence – Paragon Sales Solutions

Umar Razah – Mauricare Homes

 

Breakthrough Award (sponsored by Nottingham University Business School)

Alpha Geek

Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative

Kate Johnson – Rate Social

Sophie Redman – Linford Grey Associates

Kevin Kapezi & Leo Worsley – Growthack Ltd

 

Customer Service Award

Danielle Harkness – Plastek UK

James Hardwick – Future Life Wealth Management

Anxhela Agaci – Gents of Notts

Arran Gessey – Bam Boom Cloud

Ben Wilkinson – MHA MacIntyre Hudson

 

Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by Loughborough College

Emily Jacob – emh group

Frank Hemmingway – Plastek UK

Polly Oakes – Express Recruitment

Rebecca Houlston – Cross Productions

Ruby Birks – Purpose Media

 

Diversity & Inclusion Award

Fred Gough – University of Derby

Jake Wood – Jake Wood PT

Martin Croft – Barrister Link

Rob Spence – Paragon Sales Solutions

 

Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by Fraser Stretton Property Group)

Adam Bamford – Colleague Box

Alpha Geek

Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative

Kate Johnson – Rate Social

Katie Gilbert – TTK Confectionery

 

Excellence in Innovation and Technology Award (sponsored by Hardy Signs)

David Maran – MP Digital

Harsh Shah – De Montfort University

Jack Hall – Scenariio

Nicola Ciaessen – RSM UK

Rachel Saunders – Duncan & Toplis

 

Sustainability Award (sponsored by MHA MacIntyre Hudson)

Carys Tetlaw – RSM UK

Daniel Kelk – Plastek UK

Jake Hall – Scenariio

 

Creative Award (sponsored by PPL PRS)

Dan Poynton – On Poynt Creative

Deng Yudan – Follow the Orient

Joey Lever – Another World Media

Katie Brennan – Cross Productions

Sophie Price and Tom Dennis – My Town Vision

 

Volunteer Award (sponsored by RSM UK)

George Hanvere – Paragon Law

Izzy Plummer – TTK Confectionery

Taylor Gee – 360 Autoleasing East Midlands

2021 Generation Next Awards Ceremony

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

Public Sector Apprenticeships: A Platform for Progression

A career in public sector offers a variety of job roles from working in local government, teaching, health and social care and uniformed services.

Those working on the frontline of public services perform a vital role in society, often in the most challenging but rewarding situations.

Choosing an apprenticeship can help kickstart a career in this sector, whilst providing a platform to support career and skills development.

Apprenticeships are open to everyone

Chesterfield Borough Council employs more than 30 apprentices a range of different service areas. The organisation has been named in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, which ranks the very best of England’s apprenticeship employers.

If you’re considering an apprenticeship, watch this short video to hear from current apprentices at Chesterfield Borough Council talking about how the opportunity has benefitted them.

Search the current apprenticeship opportunities available at Chesterfield Borough Council by clicking here.

Apprenticeships provide opportunity to learn on the job

Chesterfield College provide over 50 different apprenticeships, individually designed to support yours and your employer’s needs and career goals.

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Georgie McGregor completed her Level 3 Performing Arts and Level 2 and 3 Beauty Therapy courses at Chesterfield College, before discovering a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship opportunity at the college.

With the support of her family, she chose an apprenticeship to gain more confidence, knowledge, and experience for the job role she wants.

She commented: “I am very lucky to have the support I do from my family. I have changed my mind many times about what I want to do for a career and my family has supported me every time.

“I have always enjoyed learning. I know that by doing my apprenticeship I am gaining the experience and knowledge I need to work in the area I want to. It makes the learning much easier. I am part of a team that is so welcoming. I consider it a big family and I like that most about my apprenticeship.”

Georgie aims to continue to progress in her apprenticeship and eventually wants to move into full time employment with her current employer.

Find out more about apprenticeships at Chesterfield College by clicking here.

Apprenticeships support career development

Derbyshire County Council is one of the biggest employers in Derbyshire and offers apprenticeships across a range of vocational areas including ICT, catering, civil engineering, adult care, trading standards, business administration, road working, learning and development, outdoor education, surveying, landscape and more.

Stuart Greensmith White

Meet Stuart Greensmith White, a Level 7 Senior Leader apprentice at Derbyshire County Council working in the Derbyshire Adult Education Service team.

Stuart started his apprenticeship journey with a Level 2 apprenticeship in Business Administration; the skills, knowledge and experience gained has enabled him to progress, culminating in a level 7 apprenticeship. Now he is teaching apprentices himself and sits on the Apprentice Panel of the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education, which is helping shape apprenticeships for the next generation.

Since entering the workplace and completing his initial apprenticeship, he has moved between roles and industries and been promoted numerous times. He explained: “I have worked in manufacturing, the NHS, within an academy trust and now with a local authority council.

“Apprenticeships are challenging, but hugely fulfilling courses that build the skills employers and apprentices need to really succeed in the workplace.”

Despite having many years work experience and an established career, Stuart is now using a Level 7 apprenticeship to further develop his career.

He explained: “My current apprenticeship was an advertised CPD opportunity while remaining in my then-current role as School Business Manager. The chance to gain a recognised qualification as an investment in my future was too good to miss.

“I am now three-quarters of the way through my apprenticeship and have recently secured another promotion – I am now teaching apprentices of my own!”

You can search for current apprenticeship vacancies on the Derbyshire County Council website by clicking here.

Overall, a career in public sector provides a diverse range of job roles that cater for every skill set and apprenticeships can help to provide an excellent platform to progress within the sector

You can find out more about this sector on the My Future careers platform

Visit the Apprentice Town website for more information on apprenticeships 

Posted in Apprentice Town, Blog, Made in ChesterfieldTagged in , , ,

Make Caring Your Career

A career in healthcare can be rewarding, offering job satisfaction as you care for those in need. There are many paths into the sector and undertaking an apprenticeship can be an ideal route to embark on a rewarding career.

Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to earn while you learn and gain key skills that can reap rewards both inside and outside the healthcare sector.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital and University of Derby

Apprentice providers in Chesterfield have strong links with Chesterfield Royal Hospital, which makes developing a career in healthcare even easier. The University of Derby work with Chesterfield Royal Hospital to offer apprenticeship training in healthcare, covering a wide range of occupations

Meet Hayley Pickles, Nursing Degree apprentice at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. Hayley shows how you can use degree level apprenticeships to gain the relevant skills and qualifications to become a nurse.

Hayley Pickles 873x466

Hayley explained: “I used to work as a Graphic Designer, however I soon realised it was not for me and I wanted a job which would give me compassion satisfaction. I decided I wanted to be a Nurse but I had never worked in healthcare before and so I got a job as a Healthcare Assistant in 2015 at Chesterfield Royal to gain experience in that environment. I loved it, however due to having two small children at nursery I could not finance a nursing degree. I completed a 2-year apprenticeship to become an Assistant Practitioner (AP) which enabled me to still work on Robinson Ward and gain a foundation degree whilst being supported by Chesterfield Royal.

After being qualified as an AP for just over a year the nursing apprenticeship appeared so I decided this was my opportunity to become a nurse by doing a 2 year top up degree. My children are older now and it meant I would still be supported financially and emotionally by Chesterfield Royal.”

Kirsty Miles, Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) is also an apprentice at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Kirsty Miles 873x466

Kirsty said: “I absolutely LOVE my job! There’s never a day goes by when I don’t look forward to coming to work – every day is completely different and that’s one of the reasons why this role and the operating theatre department are so unique. Not a lot of people actually know what an Operating Department Practitioner is, or what they do. I must admit, before I came to work in Theatres, neither did I! However, I soon came to learn just how interesting and important their roles actually are.

Because this course is an apprenticeship, it means I get the best of both worlds! I still get paid my regular wage but am able to work and learn on the job as a trainee ODP, alongside my wonderful colleagues. The help and support I get from them, my mentors and the course leads at university, is second to none.”

Business Administration

Healthcare is such a vast sector, and roles vary from administration, payroll, community care, doctors, surgeons, across nursing home and social care settings as well, to name just a few opportunities.

Ellie Gibson is a Level 3 Business Administration apprentice at Heathcotes Group and is the 2021 Love Chesterfield Awards Apprentice of the Year.

Heathcotes 873x466

Ellie heard about the apprenticeship route when she was at Bolsover School. While she liked the idea of working full-time and progressing within a company, Ellie decided to go to college to complete her Level 3 in Travel and Tourism before going on to university for a year to do Tourism and Events Management.

University wasn’t right for Ellie, and she decided to leave and join Heathcotes as a business administration apprentice. She explained: “I wanted to learn whilst earning. I also liked the idea of continuing to work at the place while I did my qualification and being able to progress with the same company. My family and friends were very supportive of that idea too.”

Now, after completing her Level 2 Business Administration apprenticeship, Ellie is undertaking the Level 3 course and hopes to continue progressing within the company. She added: “I plan to continue developing myself and keep progressing. I enjoy getting to know the business and creating working relationships with people, learning new skills, and adapting my ways of work.”

One to One Support Services

Are you looking to hire an apprentice? One to One Support Services is one of the many apprentice providers in Chesterfield that offer apprenticeships in adult care and childcare.

One to One Support Services Apprentice

Janice, Employer and Managing Director at Chantreyland and Brierley said: “Since using One to One Support Services, I am able to be totally confident my apprentices are receiving the best mentoring training possible to compliments their workplace skills training. One to One Support Services work closely with the company enabling qualified staff to provide the appropriate skills training at the point of the apprenticeship study. The partnership results in fully skilled apprentices entering our workforce with the prospects of adding their character to our childcare setting.”

There are lots of different careers available in healthcare to suit an array of interests and skills sets. If you fancy a career in healthcare, you can find out more about apprenticeships and search current vacancies here.

Posted in Apprentice Town, Blog, Made in ChesterfieldTagged in , , , , , ,

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