Made in Chesterfield

Chesterfield College is shortlisted for a national award for a new teaching and learning initiative

Chesterfield College has been shortlisted for a Tes (Times Education Supplement) Further Education Award for Best Teaching and Learning initiative.

The college recently introduced a programme called ‘Aspire’ designed to complement and enhance teaching and learning. All students at college now take part in the programme, designed to develop happy, healthy, confident and capable students and apprentices. This impressed judges and earned the college a place on the shortlist alongside other further education providers across the country.

The Aspire programme, which started before the pandemic, has been developed over the last year. It has already had a huge impact on learners. Attendance, retention and achievement rates have significantly improved. The quality of student work has also improved. For example, there was a 56% increase from merit to distinction in hairdressing, and a 25% increase from merit to distinction for beauty students.

The programme works by:

  • Enabling students to feel hopeful and optimistic about their future. It helps to identify their purpose, develop their voice, influence and place in society so they reach their full potential.
  • Providing a holistic wrap around service that effectively prepares students for destinations that meet their needs and interests. This enables them to thrive, flourish and succeed in their future lives and careers.
  • Enabling students to learn well, progress and succeed in all aspects of their development. This includes their personal, social, educational and employability skills, physical and mental health and wellbeing, and their ability to stay safe.

Jackie Rossa, executive director for quality improvement and assurance said: “The impact of the Aspire programme is profound. By developing skills as part of the programme, students have made better progress in their vocational areas. It has enabled us to realise our ambition for our students and apprentices. We look forward to building on this success. I am delighted we have been shortlisted for this award and I am very proud of the way students and staff have embraced Aspire over the last year. ”

Tes head of FE Julia Belgutay said: “Further education providers have excelled in what has been a truly challenging year, and the amazing individuals, teams and institutions on our Tes FE Awards shortlist showcase that. Our judges were highly impressed with the calibre of entries and I want to congratulate everyone who has made the shortlist – it is a brilliant achievement.”

Winners of the Tes awards will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony on 28 May.

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

Posted in Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield College becomes the first to sign up to Autotech Academy

Chesterfield College has become the first college to officially sign up to Autotech Academy – the innovative internship program launched by Autotech Group earlier this year.

In a move designed to give newly qualified students the best chance of employment after their studies, Chesterfield College has partnered with Autotech Academy. The partnership will help talented students with the skills the industry needs to get their foot on the automotive career ladder through a paid internship.

Acting as a conduit between Chesterfield College and automotive employers, Autotech Academy will source internship opportunities for students, equip them with their first toolbox and uniform, and provide ongoing support and training over a period of 3-12 months until they make the transition into full-time employment. Every intern will also be trained to Level 3 IMI Electric Vehicle accreditation.

With an intake of around 100 students per year into its successful automotive faculty, Chesterfield College teaches a range of light and heavy vehicle courses, while its body and paint courses are established as some of the best in the UK. With tutors deriving from the automotive industry, and a finger on the pulse of the most up-to-date skills, the college recognises the benefits forging an alliance with Autotech Academy will yield.

“We are passionate about our learners and giving them the best opportunities we can to gain employment,” comments Paul Sewell, Curriculum Operations Manager- Automotive & Body Paint at Chesterfield College. “I feel that the Autotech Academy internship programme is a fantastic way to bring employers and our learners together.”

Capitalising on its excellent reputation with automotive employers and colleges, Autotech Group launched Autotech Academy as a route to fill the automotive skills funnel, while helping time-poor, independent garages, dealer groups and vehicle manufacturers recruit newly skilled technicians.

“We are delighted that Chesterfield College has partnered with Autotech Academy,” comments Dave Walker, National Careers Manager for Autotech Academy. “The college has a fantastic, award-winning automotive division which has been recognised time and again, including winning gold awards at Skill Auto. Through our allegiance, we will work to enhance the employment opportunities of their students, ensuring that the skills taught at Chesterfield remain within the automotive industry.”

Despite the best efforts of UK colleges, around 10,000 students are lost to other industries each year as they struggle to secure an automotive role. While armed with theoretical knowledge, they have limited practical experience which deters some employers. Autotech Academy is set to smooth these recruitment bottlenecks, and create a cohort of skilled, experienced vehicle technicians which will help sustain the future of the industry.

For more information visit www.autotechacademy.co.uk

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

Posted in Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Full steam ahead for apprentices returning to the workplace

The past year has been challenging for apprentices, particularly those beginning their first training contract during the pandemic. But Chesterfield’s financial and legal businesses have adapted well to the ‘new normal’.

Liz Fisher, Associate Partner at Mitchells Chartered Accountants explains: “We were lucky at Mitchells in that our IT allowed us to work from home instantly without any additional set up required. We’ve had a skeleton staff within the office throughout the pandemic and the number of people in the office is gradually increasing.”

The financial and professional services sector is the largest business sector in Chesterfield; it has experienced a strong level of growth in the past five years, with the number of businesses increasing to more than 700. There are around 7,300 jobs in this sector locally including apprenticeships. More about this sector can be found on the My Future careers platform.

Working from home 

Working from home has its benefits and drawbacks. Many apprentices don’t mind working from home due to there being no commute, more flexibility, and less distractions.

Heather Ebbage, an apprentice Accounts Assistant at Innspired Accountancy explains: “The office was closed when I first started working for Innspired, this meant I was working from home. Being new to the industry, I found this difficult.”

“We returned back to the office in January with it being the busiest time of the year for accountants due to the Self-Assessment deadline. I feel that since being in the office, my development has increased tenfold, experiencing the office environment, listening to experienced colleagues dealing with clients queries and being able to discuss my queries with my managers face to face (socially distanced of course) have all meant that I am getting a better understanding of the industry and what my role will look like as I progress through my qualification.”

However, technology has made working from home much easier by enabling effective communication with colleagues and tutors. Abigail Denman, Level 3 Financial Services Administrator at Rosewood Wealth Management, says: “I have managed to stay in touch with my tutor through Google Meets and Zoom meetings. However, if I need to speak to my tutor in between the meetings I can always get in touch via email.”

Support from colleagues, employers, and providers 

Support from colleagues, employers and providers during the pandemic has meant apprentices could continue developing during their apprenticeships.

Jess Bradfield completed her Level 2 Business Administration apprenticeship at BRM Solicitors during the recent lockdown and has now taken the role of Paralegal in the company’s Wills and Probate team. She explains: “The training I received was different from how it is usually done, however I have still progressed as expected. My apprenticeship allowed me to develop numerous different skills, as well as a general knowledge about the legal sector. I felt more comfortable moving into my new role as a result of this.”

Lorna Finlay, Level 7 Accountancy and Taxation apprentice at Chesterfield College, found she has been able to develop her confidence whilst completing her apprenticeship during the pandemic. She says: “I like the fact that I am encouraged to develop my knowledge, skills and behaviours. The tracker I need to complete to pass my apprenticeship allows me to reflect on my personal development and identify areas for improvement. I believe this has boosted my confidence greatly.”

Returning to the office 

Whilst apprenticeships have been able to continue during the pandemic, many apprentices are looking forward to returning to the office and seeing colleagues in person.

Jenny Beagan, Senior Processing Customer Services Advocate was recently awarded Apprentice of the Year by provider Workpays. She says: “During the pandemic I have been lucky enough to be able to come into work as a lot of my role consists of writing out to customers or printing requests from customers. I have liked having the routine of coming to work, however we must follow strict guidelines in our day to day working.”

“I am looking forward to colleagues returning back to the office and getting back to the new normal way of working, it will be great to see colleagues again who we haven’t seen for over a year.”

Following on from what the apprentices said, it is likely that the hybrid working model will continue and be a mix between home and office working.

If you would like to start a career in this sector, check out the current apprenticeship vacancies in the local area.

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

Chesterfield College gives graduates an insight into a teaching career in further education

Keen to play a role in developing the next generation of talent into further education, Chesterfield College has welcomed a new cohort of eager graduates and undergraduates into the organisation to give them a unique insight into a teaching career as part of the Education and Training Foundation’s programme, Talent to Teach. This is the second year the college has been part of the programme and they are already seeing many positive benefits.

The Talent to Teach programme was mentioned in the recent Skills for Jobs white paper, published by the government, as one important initiative which will be developed to help tackle the growing recruitment problem in the further education sector. The document highlights that half of principals in the UK say recruitment is difficult, so the need to act now is vitally important.

Becoming a provider of Talent to Teach programme was an opportunity for Chesterfield College to nurture talent and build a workforce for the sector. Equally, the team were keen to share their passion for role they play in their community, and the difference they make to their students and apprentices.

Jo Kershaw, Director of Business Professional and Service Industries, who manages the Talent to Teach programme at Chesterfield College said:

“Like many other colleges up and down the country, Chesterfield College wants to attract the very best talent to pass on their knowledge and expertise to students and apprentices. The Talent to Teach programme gives us the chance to highlight the benefits of a career in further education. It also helps graduates to understand that their knowledge and skills are in demand in the sector.

“For too long further education has been overlooked by many who might have a desire to teach. It has been fascinating to see the participants on this programme discover the possibilities open to them in colleges and we have seen our staff develop their mentoring skills too.”

During the programme the participants work alongside, and are mentored by, college staff as they take part in a range of activities to give them an insight into the breadth and scope of teaching in further education. They also experience day to day life helping students to succeed.

After mandatory safeguarding training, the participants observe and take part in lessons as well as carry out a micro teach. They also attend ask the expert sessions to learn about a range of other topics from Ofsted to supporting students with special educational needs.

The first intake of students on the programme, who took part before the pandemic, worked in the classroom with groups of students. The new intake has been experiencing teaching online and working with college staff virtually.

The fact that the programme is now being delivered virtually has had hidden benefits, allowing participants from a larger geographical area to access it. This was important because the pandemic meant only a quarter of the colleges who normally take part in the programme were able to offer places this year. Chesterfield College were keen to continue and demonstrate how they had adapted teaching and learning over lockdown.

Feedback from the previous intake of students highlights that 100% of those who took part have a higher level of interest in a teaching career in further education following the programme. The value of taking a hands on approach during the scheme was a huge benefit to the participants who may have been witnessing the world of further education for the first time.

One politics and history graduate on the current Talent to Teach programme, Tyler Yves, commented: “I left school with a handful of GCSEs but studied in FE as a mature student on an access to HE course. I understand the motivations of adult learners who study in FE colleges. There has always been this preconception that you were born to teach but I think so much has changed and I think we need to see how we can transfer skills into teaching as a viable career option. I can see the day to day difference I could make in a young person’s life by being part of FE. After a few sessions on the programme, I already find myself googling PGCE information!”

Sanaa Khalifa, a second year economics student said: “There are so many jobs and careers out there and you don’t know what to do unless you experience it first-hand which is why I wanted to take part in Talent to Teach. Now I am doing it, I do see myself in a teaching career in FE as opposed to working in business. It really has changed my outlook.”

Raina Roberts, Project manager for Talent to Teach at Cognition Education, the organisation running the programme on behalf of the Education and Training Foundation, said:

“It has been an absolute delight having Chesterfield College as a provider with the Talent to Teach in FE programme. Jo Kershaw and the team at the college have been incredible to work with and have put a great deal of passion into delivering the programme. Our partner providers, including Chesterfield College, are passionate about helping us raise the profile of further education and support us in establishing a high-quality pipeline of entrants for the sector.”

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

Posted in Business, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Conference hears how Chesterfield’s resilience has set the town on a path of swift pandemic recovery

Chesterfield’s resilience in the face of adversity has been borne out by figures shared at today’s (31 March) Celebrate Chesterfield event organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with Addooco IT.

At the virtual conference it was revealed that SMEs are reporting growth in turnover and staff numbers during the pandemic, while estate agents in the borough are achieving up to 103 per cent on asking price with up to eight buyers per property.

Despite the pandemic, more than £1bn of regeneration projects are currently underway in the borough, including the multi-million pound Chesterfield Waterside, Glass Yard, Northern Gateway and PEAK schemes.

Speaking at the conference Dr Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council praised the sector’s can-do attitude during the pandemic.

He said: “There is a fantastic landscape of development happening in the town in the middle of the pandemic. I think it says everything about Chesterfield in terms of the ambition of the place and the fact we are not going to just bunker down but actually get on and invest in quality developments right across the town and borough.”

Work has also begun on a McDonalds restaurant and drive-thru on the site of a long-derelict former multi-storey car park at West Bars. Sixty-five jobs will be created when the fast-food giant opens at the location later this year.

Most recently, Staveley received £25.2million from the Government’s Town Deal programme. It is being billed as one of the largest economic programmes in the borough in recent history.

Speaking at the conference Ivan Fomin, Chair of Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “We want Staveley to become a place to start, to stay and grow to deliver inclusive growth opportunities for the people of Staveley over the next five years.”

While 1,100 Chesterfield businesses temporarily closed during the latest lockdown, Dr Bowen is optimistic they will re-open and access the support and grants the Council has put in place to enable them to re-start. Nearly £60million in business rates relief and grants has been distributed by Chesterfield Borough Council to businesses during the pandemic.

“Our first priority is to support existing businesses to survive and restart,” added Dr Bowen.

Marketing the town, he said, was critical to the council’s Economic Recovery Plan post pandemic and praised the work of Destination Chesterfield in its work to attract inward investment.

He added: “We want people to relocate and start up in business here, so we are working closely with other Derbyshire councils and the East Midlands Chamber to make available start-up funding to encourage entrepreneurs to the town and borough.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield welcomed Dr Bowen’s comments saying: “Chesterfield has proved time and time again that it is a resilient and strong town which consistently performs well in the face of adversity.

“During the pandemic we have seen major projects start to come out of the ground which is testimony to our forward-thinking council and a key reason why investors from outside the area are keen to do business with us on major projects like PEAK, Waterside and HS2.

“Twelve months ago our annual Celebrate Chesterfield event looked to be anything but a celebration. However, we have attracted investment, jobs have been created and a plan is in place to ensure not only that we recover quickly from the pandemic but that we are stronger because of it. There is much to celebrate now and for the future of Chesterfield.”

In addition to Dr Bowen, speakers at the annual free event also included Andy Dabbs and Jillian Mitchell the Chair and Vice Chair respectively of the newly formed Property and Construction Group, which is organised by Destination Chesterfield and was launched at Celebrate Chesterfield 21

The group brings together leaders from the area’s property and construction sectors to shape and drive forward collaboration, investment, sustainability and skills within Chesterfield.

Celebrate Chesterfield 2021 was sponsored by University of Derby, Whittam Cox Architects and Markham Vale – Derbyshire’s flagship regeneration scheme, who joined headline sponsor Addooco IT.

Richard Walters, owner of Chesterfield technology specialist Addooco IT Ltd, commented: “The concept of ‘Celebrating Chesterfield’ really resonates with me as there is such a rich history of innovation here. Having identified early in 2020 how challenging the next 12 months and beyond would likely become we accelerated our investment plans to help minimise the impact of the situation, whilst creating four new job roles to help cope with demand. This ensured ample capacity and performance for our existing clients and those who we’ve welcomed to Addooco over the last year.”

If you were unable to attend the live Celebrate Chesterfield 2021 event, the presentations are available to watch via the online platform until 14 April. For free access to the platform please contact mollie.brown@chesterfield.co.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , , , , , ,

New report sets out the region’s skills strengths and actions to address the skills needs in the wake of Covid-19

A new report from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has highlighted the need for action to make sure everyone has the skills which will allow them to get good jobs, both now and in the future —and how it will also help the region address other issues from climate change to regional inequality.

With just over a year since the UK went into lockdown, the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire, further exposing the persistent productivity gap and skills lag in the region and with employment losses more pronounced than many parts of the UK.

The rapidly increasing demand for new technological and digital skills – central to the region’s aspiration for low carbon and inclusive growth and essential to remote working and access to upskilling in our rural communities – were already having unsettling consequences for the local economy before the pandemic.

While the impact of Covid-19 has been uneven with the most significant impacts to service, manufacturing, hospitality and retail, there is clear evidence that recent progress across the region in increasing skills and employment levels may be slowed or reversed without the introduction of effective measures at both a national and local level.

The D2N2 LEP, in its capacity as organiser of the regions Skills Advisory Panel (SAP), has brought together employers, skills providers and key local stakeholders to better understand and resolve these skill mismatches at a local level and make recommendations for change.

The D2N2 Local Skills Report will be essential to the regions skills recovery to offset these challenges and ‘building back better’. It will require business leaders, educators, and national and regional governments to come together and collaborate to build more inclusive and sustainable economies and societies. The report is a catalyst for action to help those who have been made redundant or at risk of unemployment and support young people and businesses that have been disproportionately affected.

Government: Provide funding continuity; increase access to reskilling; increase SAPs’ role in skills provision and funding.
Post-16 Skills Providers: Coordinate with our priorities; build collaborative skills pathways; embed digital and low carbon skills in all learning pathways.
Schools: Provide senior support of Careers activity; promote higher technical skills pathways; embed careers inspiration and core digital skills in the curriculum.
Local Authorities: Support our strategy in your areas; continue collaborating with us and each other; facilitate relationships between local employers and schools.
Employers and BROs: Make skills core to recovery and growth planning; engage with the skills system to develop the future workforce; support your workers in retraining, reskilling and upskilling.

Professor Shearer West CBE, Chair of the D2N2 People and Skills Board, said: “This report showcases the work of D2N2 in People and Skills, by providing an overview of our strategy and an assessment of progress to date. As SAP Chair, I feel it is vital to ensure that our growing knowledge of trends and challenges affecting jobs and skills in D2N2 reaches the widest possible audience. This will help us drive necessary change both locally and nationally, as well as providing the leadership and focus for strategic responses with genuine impact. I would like to thank our colleagues at the University of Derby, who partnered with the D2N2 LEP on the development of this report, as well as all the partners in the D2N2 area who have contributed to it.”

Rachel Quinn, Head of People of Skills at D2N2 LEP, said: “This report’s aim is simple, to help improve the chances of our people in securing the jobs and careers to which they aspire, a crucial element in driving up their quality of life, and for our businesses to find the skills they need to grow and compete in an increasingly global economy. Our report set out the local strengths and skills needs and how the SAP proposes its area addresses its key priorities, identifies, and delivers on its priorities.

“The DfE’s recent White Paper set out a number of reforms aimed at putting employers more firmly at the heart of the skills system. As we develop our local response to the White Paper, our SAP and our Local Skills Report will be vital for coordinating the region’s skills response as our economy recovers.”

The full report can be accessed via d2n2lep.org/d2n2-lep-launches-local-skills-report

 

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

Ashgate Hospicecare’s retail staff praised for going “above and beyond” during height of pandemic

Furloughed Ashgate Hospicecare retail staff have been praised after swapping their usual roles to support their colleagues in the inpatient unit caring for end-of-life patients, during a crucial period of the pandemic.

Just last month, the charity opened a temporary second COVID dedicated wing at its inpatient unit at Old Brampton, taking bed capacity up to 21, after reporting unprecedented demand for its services and a sharp increase in COVID positive patients.

Staff from across the hospice have been redeployed to support those working on the frontline, including seven members of the retail team who were furloughed at the end of last year, after shops were forced to close in line with the Government’s lockdown restrictions.

The retail staff have taken on several roles including Ward Assistant and Ward Receptionist. Their responsibilities include ensuring PPE is available, delivering COVID test samples to Chesterfield Royal Hospital and welcoming families of patients to the ward.

Jane Jones, Head of Clinical Services at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “We’re so grateful for the retail staff who have been helping out on our inpatient unit; they’ve made such a huge difference since they’ve been here.

“Their support with jobs like putting disposable items away and topping up PPE has meant our nurses and healthcare assistants can focus on spending their time caring for patients.

“They’re all so passionate about doing whatever they can to support the hospice so we can be there for the patients and families in our care. They have the spirit and dedication which embodies everything that being part of the Ashgate family is about.”

Among those who have put themselves forward to take on a new role is Paul Street, a furniture van driver who would usually be based at the Hasland Furniture Store. Paul is working as a Ward Assistant and says it’s been an eye-opening experience to see how the money his team helps to raise is used to directly support families.

“I was furloughed at the start of the lockdown when non-essential retail outlets had to close,” he said. “So, the opportunity to come and help on the inpatient unit at Ashgate was one I couldn’t turn down.

“I’ve certainly been out of my comfort zone; I haven’t really done anything like this before, but it hasn’t taken me long to settle in.

“I get huge satisfaction knowing the little bit we are doing is helping families of patients feel reassured that their loved ones are getting the best care possible. I think my role now is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had; I really am honoured to be part of the Ashgate family.”

Another retail worker who has been redeployed to the ward is Andrea Farmery, who would usually work as the Deputy Store Manager at the Hasland Furniture Store.

She said: “I’m very proud to work for Ashgate Hospicecare and I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to help my colleagues at the hospice during the pandemic. It’s lovely to be able to do a job that helps people when they need it most.

“The transition has been a learning curve to say the least, but I’ve enjoyed the challenge so far and I’m pleased to be doing my bit to support my hospice colleagues during these difficult times.”

Both Andrea and Paul volunteered to help with the vaccine rollout at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield earlier this year too.

The redeployed retail staff helped during a crucial period of the pandemic and are set to return to their usual roles when the charity’s shops reopen on April 12th.

To fill their roles on the inpatient unit, Ashgate Hospicecare is appealing to anyone who might be interested in volunteering to register their interest.

Anyone who would like to join Ashgate Hospicecare as a Ward Volunteer can find out more by visiting www.ashgatehospicecare.org.uk/volunteer/

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

Posted in Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Fire safety advice now available to Chesterfield and Derbyshire businesses

Businesses across Chesterfield are being encouraged to ensure they are minimising the risks of fire, with guidance, support and advice now available from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The service has launched a campaign to contact businesses across the county, who trade in hot works or are having hot works completed on their premises, to offer essential safety advice on keeping their business and employees safe from the risk of fire.

Hot works is the term given to work that involves, but is not limited to, soldering, welding cutting, grinding, and using hot air guns. This work can pose a serious fire safety risk, which is why businesses have a legal and moral duty to ensure their premises, and any works carried out, are safe.

During the campaign, Derbyshire’s Business Safety Advisors and Firefighters will be working alongside local councils and network groups to complete site visits and deliver online presentations, where they’ll offer businesses free support and advice. They will cover topics such as whether the work is necessary or if there’s an alternative, identifying hazards, and how to raise the alarm if an accident was to occur.

Business Safety Advisor Andrew Mosler said: “It’s really important businesses understand the fire risks involved with hot works, and how to reduce them, as the implications can be devastating.

“If not carried out safely hot works can result in a fire which can have financial implications due to the loss of business premises, customers turning to competitors and increased insurance premiums. In the worst case scenario a fire could result in serious injury or loss of life.

“Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service has a whole team of dedicated Business Safety Advisors to help you keep your business safe from the risk of fire. The team provide free advice on ensuring your business is compliant with fire safety legislation, completing your Fire Risk Assessment, the types of fire extinguisher you may require, how often to test your fire safety equipment, or any other fire safety enquiries you may have.”

Whether you’re in retail, manufacturing, hospitality, or any other sector, a Business Safety Advisor will be able to help.

If you would like more advice on keeping your business safe, please get in touch with your local Business Safety Advisor, Andrew Mosler, on 01773 305681 or via email: amosler@derbys-fire.gov.uk

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

Promising response to Green Entrepreneurs Scheme from Derbyshire businesses

More than 130 people from businesses and community groups across Derbyshire joined the virtual launch of Derbyshire County Council’s Green Entrepreneurs Fund – a £2 million grant fund for organisations interested in developing and investing in green energy and carbon reduction schemes.

Businesses and organisations heard details about how they can apply for funding through the scheme being run in partnership with the University of Derby to help support green economic recovery across Derbyshire.

There are 3 separate funds:

Green Entrepreneurs Demonstrator Fund
£1.2 million set aside for a small number of high-quality projects from entrepreneurs wanting to establish green, alternative energy or low carbon initiatives in Derbyshire to provide community heat and power schemes. The minimum grant available through this fund would be £100,000. Applications for expressions of interest will open 1 April 2021.

Green Entrepreneurs Small Grant Fund
Grants of £10,000 – £20,000 for new and existing businesses with game changing proposals in alternative energy, clean fuel and carbon reduction. £500,000 will be made available through this fund. There will be 3 separate rounds in which to apply for funding – the first will launch on 1 April 2021 followed by further rounds opening on 4 October 2021 and then 3 January 2022.

Green Entrepreneurs Scholarship Fund
A training fund to support individuals to retrain with skills to enable them to enter the field of alternative energy. £100,000 will be made available through this fund. Grants will be awarded monthly from July 2021 onwards.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Barry Lewis added:

“We’re championing business innovation and want Derbyshire to become a leader in the field in the development of green energy as part of our bold ambition to cut the council’s carbon emissions to net zero by 2032 and that of the Derbyshire economy by 2050.

“We believe there is a unique opportunity to bring greater benefits to local communities and the local economic conditions to create high quality jobs driven by utilising the local skills base in engineering and manufacturing.

“We’re excited to be able to offer businesses the financial support needed to help turn their ideas into reality, through game changing proposals that help to tackle climate change and impact positively on the way we all live in the future both in Derbyshire and further afield.”

Councillor Tony King, Cabinet member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said:

“We’ve had an unbelievable response to the scheme so far from businesses and community organisations across Derbyshire.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the applications start to come in with proposals for projects to kick-start the county’s carbon reduction and alternative energy agenda and boost the local economy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I would urge anyone who was unable to join the virtual launch to visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/gef to find out more.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said:

“I am delighted that the Green Entrepreneur launch was such a success. It is really encouraging to see so much interest and enthusiasm from local businesses in taking up opportunities like this to operate more sustainably and to make a real contribution towards reducing their carbon footprint.

“We look forward now to working with the county council to deliver the scheme to our entrepreneur community, and to make Derbyshire synonymous with sustainable business.”

Find more information about the programme including application forms, timetable for grant funding and eligibility criteria.

Posted in Business, Destination Chesterfield, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Destination Chesterfield chair, Peter Swallow: “This is a golden opportunity to transform the area for future generations”

Destination Chesterfield chair, Peter Swallow shares his optimism for the future of the town, following the government’s recent announcement of the roadmap out of lockdown and a big funding boost for Staveley.

With a clear route out of Covid lockdown now in progress, schools welcoming back children to classrooms and Spring in the air, we have much to be feeling positive about right now, not least a £25.2million funding boost, announced in the recent Budget, which will pave the way for significant regeneration in Staveley.

This is a golden opportunity to transform the area for future generations. Collectively we are working hard to ensure our young people are aware of both the career opportunities and are equipped with the skills they need to achieve their ambitions – and never more so than during Covid.

Works road and canal basin plans, Staveley

To ensure young people in schools remain connected to businesses during these trying times I am delighted to see the launch of three virtual workplace tours. Produced as part of the Made in Chesterfield campaign, the films feature three local businesses operating in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) sector – MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar (UCB) and Woodhead Construction.

At the heart of these films is the understanding of the challenges students and young people in our town are facing as a result of the pandemic. It illustrates why initiatives such as this and the MyFuture careers platform are an integral component to our continued collective future success.

The virtual My Future platform

Despite the constraints as a result of the pandemic over the last year, Chesterfield’s regeneration projects have forged ahead. Chesterfield Waterside, the new Enterprise Centre and The Glass Yard all continue to accelerate, increasing local job opportunities as well as opportunities for the town to benefit from the project growth in demand for regional satellite offices by large corporations.

We have all learned a lot, adopted new, sometimes better, ways of doing things and, above all shown we are a resilient and forward-thinking town. Our own Chesterfield Royal Hospital gained national recognition recently with the incredible Covid research work over the last year. It shows that we are a town that is constantly evolving and, more importantly, leading the way.

Who knows, in the words of Charles Dickens we may look back on this period in our history and declare ‘it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.’

With normality on the horizon and so much positivity around us right now, it feels more appropriate than ever to be celebrating everything we have achieved together this past year.

This is why I for one am looking forward to Destination Chesterfield’s annual Celebrate Chesterfield business event returning virtually on the 31 March 2021. It is an opportunity for companies large and small to come together and catch up on the latest progress in the local economy.

It is indeed an exciting time for Chesterfield, and we have demonstrated that through businesses and communities working together, we are stronger than ever.

 

Posted in Blog, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , ,

Virtual workplace tours launched to north eastern Derbyshire’s students during National Careers Week

National Careers Week 2021 (1 – March) sees the launch of three virtual workplace tours to students across north eastern Derbyshire.

Produced as part of the Made in Chesterfield campaign, the films feature three local businesses operating in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) sector – MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar (UCB) and Woodhead Construction.

The films, which are available to view on YouTube, feature virtual tours of the UCB foundry, MSE Hiller’s workshop and laboratory and Chesterfield Borough Council’s new Enterprise Centre which is currently being built by Woodhead Construction.

Each of the inspiring films feature details of the job roles available at each business, what they involve and qualifications and skills needed.

Produced by Chesterfield-based Defeye Creative, the films are designed to bridge the gap between education providers and businesses during the pandemic and answer the questions that young people are unable to ask while school trips are not allowed.

Despite the recent announcement that students across the country will be returning to the classroom on Monday 8 March, social distancing restrictions will remain in place until at least 21 June this year, preventing students undertaking vital workplace visits and work experience.

Sponsored by Chesterfield College, the annual Made in Chesterfield campaign is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, supported by Chesterfield Borough Council and North Derbyshire Careers Hub.

The campaign was originally launched in 2015 in response to companies in the sector reporting long term recruitment difficulties. Over the last six years, Made in Chesterfield has helped introduce thousands of young people in North East Derbyshire to careers in the STEM sector.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield’s board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the Borough, commented: “I am delighted that we are able to take STEM experiences into the classroom and home. Although we are in the middle of a pandemic it is important that we continue to ensure that young people have access to education, training, jobs and work placements in Chesterfield’s STEM sector.

“With HS2 on the horizon, there is the opportunity for the region to become recognised as an international centre of rail research and innovation, but only if we have the skilled workforce to meet investor demand.

“Although virtual for now, I am confident that these videos will be successful in bringing together education providers and businesses to ensure local young talent is aware of the myriad of STEM jobs and careers available here.”

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “Workplace visits are essential for young people making important decisions about their future. It provides them with valuable insight into what the workplace is like and also gives them the opportunity to ask employers important questions about the skills they need to develop. I’m delighted that local employers have taken part in this because it is vital to ensuring we build a thriving borough and create excellent opportunities for young people.

“These videos will help support the careers information on offer through the My Future platform, making sure that young people can get excellent advice and information about the opportunities available to them. I hope lots of young people will watch these videos and use the information provided to plan their future.”

Daniel Heffernan, Senior Careers Hub Lead, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said:  “In these challenging times it’s more important than ever to ensure our young people are given the opportunity to explore and understand the career opportunities open to them. These tours bring a little slice of industry into the classroom, which will help to drive up aspiration and subsequently attainment.

“They will play a key role in supporting localised skills development and support us in our ambitions to create a steady pipeline of talent, that our businesses will need to bounce back and thrive, as we enter the recovery stages of the pandemic.

“I look forward to sharing these resources with our network of 32 schools and colleges across North Derbyshire, and our wider network of 140 schools across D2N2 as we all work together to ensure that our young people are able to step over any economic cracks created by COVID-19, and that they are given as much support as possible to go on to lead successful lives after education.”

Charlotte Land, STEM Ambassador Hub Manager at DEBP added: “The Made in Chesterfield Programme is a fantastic opportunity for young people and teachers to gain an insight into the amazing places people work in Chesterfield.  DEBP work with employers to develop their programme offer and introduce them to local schools. The programme is an essential part of our work as a STEM Ambassador Hub to bridge the STEM skills gap by introducing young people to positive role models and work environments and through challenging stereotypical perceptions of engineering and manufacturing.”

Schools throughout north eastern Derbyshire are now being encouraged to share the films with students and give them a virtual taste of career opportunities in the STEM sector.

All the virtual tours, as well as informative videos on each organisation, can be viewed here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/tours-for-schools/

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

Stay informed

Keep up to date

Dont miss out on all the latest news, updates & special offers.

Signup to our newsletter