Made in Chesterfield

Sparks fly for Tupton Hall students during Made in Chesterfield

28th November 2016

Aspiring engineers from Tupton Hall School experienced the sights and sounds of a cast iron production plant when they visited United Cast Bar (UCB) in Chesterfield.

The trip was part of November’s Made in Chesterfield festival which celebrates the local manufacturing industry.

Eleven Year 8 students donned goggles and hi-vis vests for a guided tour of UBC’s foundry, offices, storage yard and even the boardroom. The company manufactures cast iron bar for use in heavy machinery, wind turbines, submarines, aerospace and more.

The tour was conducted by David Beet, UCB’s relationship manager. He has worked in the steel industry for all of his life and has been at UCB for the last 15 years.

One student, Nathan Hawkins, said:-

“The trip was great. In the foundry where the bars are actually produced we saw the molten iron being poured into casts and we could hear it sizzling.

“When the cast iron bars came out of the machines they were glowing yellowy-orange and we could feel the heat.”

Students were told that UCB holds the world record for producing cast iron bar with the largest diameter measuring 750mm x 550mm.

Another student, Max Mogford, said:-

“I liked seeing how huge the machinery is. The furnace was absolutely massive and it lit up the whole room when it was pouring. There were some huge fork-lift trucks in the yard too.

“It was interesting to hear that they import raw iron from other countries because we don’t mine iron in the UK any more, and how the finished product is shipped to customers all over the world.”

Both Nathan and Max agreed that the trip was interesting and that they would recommend it to other students next year.

Nathan added:-

“We love design and technology lessons at school. This kind of trip makes you think about what you want to do when you’re older.”

Max continued:-

“I definitely want to be an engineer. David told us that engineers are in big demand and they need younger people to go into the industry to keep it running.”

The students returned to school full of excitement. Not only had they witnessed the exhilarating workings of an important industry, they were inspired to explore new career paths they had not previously considered.

To learn more about Made in Chesterfield visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Heritage students seize engineering opportunity

17th November 2016

As part of the town’s annual Made in Chesterfield festival, which celebrates the manufacturing and engineering sector, six Year 10 students from Heritage High School visited MSE Hiller, based at Markham Vale.

The popular month-long festival, which is organised by Destination Chesterfield and brings businesses, primary and secondary schools and training providers together to showcase the sector to school children across north east Derbyshire

This year, more local engineering and manufacturing firms than ever have signed up to offer students a chance to tour their facilities and try their hand at a range of activities in a bid to spark their interest in a career in the sector.

Other manufacturing businesses offering secondary school experiences include United Cast Bar, Brampton Brewery, Cathelco, Techman Engineering, Palamatic, Trans-Tronic and Precision Products UK, while Mintdale Engineering and Krantech have organised tours for primary schools at their facilities.

‘Hands on’ education was the name when six Year 10 Engineering students from Heritage High School visited MSE Hiller, based at Markham Vale for some practical work experience.

The day began with a tour of the work site. Interesting sights included viewing one of MSE Hiller’s machines worth £1 million, which is one of the largest machines in the country. Also impressive was the large indoor concrete bunker which protectively houses a massive centrifuge.

Seeing the way that sludge and water are separated was demonstrated in the laboratory.

One student, Harry Clarkson said:-

‘This was just like our school science labs but much more modern and state of the art.’

After an informative video presentation explaining how hydraulics work and looking at the different components of Hiller’s machinery, students were literally thrown in at the deep end of engineering and asked to weld metal together and imprint their initials upon it.

Students donned overalls, steel capped boots and welding helmets to begin their first practical engineering task. The difficulties of the task were soon obvious.

Adam Hendley, Heritage student admitted:-

‘It was a bit daunting to start with but luckily I soon got the hang of it!’

The visit was set up by Mrs Oley-Jones, the school’s Alternative Curriculum & Achievement Coordinator as part of November’s Made in Chesterfield festival which celebrates local manufacturing.

Student Owen Ordidge highlighted the positive nature of the work experience. He said:-

‘The visit has made me much keener to focus on Engineering GCSE. Now that I have experienced how the subject comes alive in the work place, it has made me realise that studying in the first instance is the key to doing well in a subject like Engineering.’

Visits like these are invaluable to secondary school students as they are able to witness engineering skills first hand and with facilities that just can’t be replicated in a school environment.

Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, NatWest, Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, Placing Futures, NLT Training, Department of International Trade, East Midlands Chamber, the University of Derby and Positive 4 Young People.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Made in Chesterfield

Packed Made in Chesterfield programme to inspire young people

31st October 2016

The town’s annual celebration of its manufacturing and engineering sector, Made in Chesterfield, kicks off in November.

Organiser, Destination Chesterfield is working with schools to get involved and help ignite their pupils’ interest in the sector.

The popular month-long festival will once again bring businesses, primary and secondary schools and training providers together to showcase the sector to school children across north east Derbyshire.

More local engineering and manufacturing firms than ever have signed up to offer students a chance to tour their facilities and try their hand at a range of activities in a bid to spark their interest in a career in the sector.
Sparks are expected to fly at United Cast Bar where students tour its foundry, while virtual sparks will fly at NLT Training Services in Brimington as students try out its state-of-the-art welding simulator.

Other manufacturing businesses offering secondary school experiences include MSE Hiller, Brampton Brewery, Cathelco, Techman Engineering, Palamatic, Trans-Tronic and Precision Products UK, while Mintdale Engineering and Krantech have organised tours for primary schools at their facilities.

Manager of Destination Chesterfield, Dom Stevens commented: “This year there are more businesses involved in Made in Chesterfield than we’ve ever had before, so there is a wealth of opportunities for schools to get involved.
“Chesterfield has a rich heritage of manufacturing and engineering and it’s important that we encourage inspiring young people to consider a career within it to ensure the sector not only survives, but thrives.”
To find out more about Made in Chesterfield 2016’s school events and workshops go to: http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/school-events-secondary-schools/ .

As well as school visits and events, there is also a packed programme of free business events taking place during November for Made in Chesterfield. For details of the events visit http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/business-events/

Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, Natwest, Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, Placing Futures, NLT Training, Department of International Trade, East Midlands Chamber, the University of Derby and Positive 4 Young People.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Business events programme announced for Made in Chesterfield

11th October 2016

The annual festival celebrating the manufacturing and engineering sector in the town – Made in Chesterfield, which is organised by Destination Chesterfield, returns for the third year running in November.

Throughout the month of November, Destination Chesterfield has teamed up with a number of partners to organise a packed programme of business events designed to give companies currently operating in the sector the opportunity to learn about the latest news, developments, funding and training opportunities available.

The events are all free and people from businesses operating within the town’s engineering and manufacturing sector are being called on to show their support and attend the events.

The month-long Made in Chesterfield festival is being launched on Wednesday 2 November at a Champions-only event being held at University of Derby’s new campus in the St. Helena building. For non-Champions there is also an opportunity to find out about the new University of Derby Chesterfield Campus on 9 November at a free-to-attend breakfast seminar, organised in association with Destination Chesterfield, MSE Hiller and the University of Derby.

The Made in Chesterfield business events include:

2 November Made in Chesterfield launch – University of Derby, St Helenas

3 November D2N2 Business Breakfast Series 2016 – Proact Stadium

9 November Find out about the new University of Derby Chesterfield Campus – University of Derby, St Helenas

16 November Exporting: Is it for you? – NatWest

17 November Annual Business and Manufacturing Seminar – Proact Stadium

17 November Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Manufacturing Forum – Casa Hotel

18 November Chamber Business Lunch – Ringwood Hall Hotel

24 November Derbyshire Times and Destination Chesterfield Round Table – University of Derby

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield manager said: “The ongoing support of companies in the sector is vital to the success of Made in Chesterfield, and I am delighted that more businesses than ever have got involved this year. We have a packed programme of business and school events which will make the festival our most successful yet.”

During the month-long Made in Chesterfield celebration of the sector, the Manufacturer of the Year will be announced at the Derbyshire Times Business Awards on 10 November.

Full details of all the events and how to book can be found at www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/business-events

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Made in Chesterfield

Still places available at University skills base evening

5th October 2016

How part-time study can boost your career without affecting your lifestyle will be revealed by the University of Derby’s team at its new Chesterfield Campus on October 27.

Professionals aiming to get ahead can meet the team at the Sheffield Road site for a Professional and Part-Time Study Open Evening.

From 4pm-7pm, University lecturers will be at the Campus in the former St Helena’s grammar school to outline the range of business, engineering, IT and health care courses on offer.

Professor Margaret Bruce, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, at the University of Derby explained the benefits of part-time study: “Our flexible approach to teaching and learning enables you to fit studying around your other commitments.

“That means you can gain a professional qualification whilst working, to help further your career, broadening your skills and knowledge in a flexible way, without it affecting your lifestyle.”

Courses available through part-time study in Chesterfield are:

HND Business and Management
BEng (Hons) Professional Engineering

FdSc Information Technology
Continuing Professional Development in Health and Social Care

The Campus, due to open this month, has had a multi-million pound conversion which has been sympathetic to the listed St Helena’s building, conserving as many of its historic features as possible.

Professional and Part-Time Study Open Evening Location: Chesterfield Campus, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, S41 7LU, October 27, 4pm to 7pm.

Booking is essential: visit derby.ac.uk/open days.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Made in Chesterfield

University fund available to ‘give back’ to Chesterfield community

12th July 2016

As the University of Derby prepares to open its brand new campus in Chesterfield this autumn, they are delighted to introduce a Community Fund available to the town and surrounding areas.

Over the next year, the University will be handing out grants to inspirational projects that seek to benefit the community. Such projects could be conservation, wellbeing programmes or youth work. Anything that benefits the local community.

John Phillips, Community Liaison Officer at the University of Derby, said:-

“The University of Derby’s Community Fund was launched in September 2014 as a way to ‘give back’ to local people through grants for inspiring projects that benefit the local community.

“Since then, the University has contributed around £20k to community groups throughout Derby and Derbyshire. With the opening of our new Chesterfield Campus scheduled for autumn 2016, we are encouraging charitable organisations within Chesterfield to apply for our Community Fund,”

Construction of the University of Derby’s new Chesterfield Campus is on track, with completion due for autumn 2016 when the first students will be welcomed to the St Helena building on Sheffield Road. Opening the new campus will broaden the range of health and social care courses the University already offers in Chesterfield and allow collaborations with partner organisations to introduce new ways of learning and education relevant to Chesterfield’s economy, particularly for engineering, IT and business courses.

For more information about the Community Fund visit derby.ac.uk/communityfund

The University are holding a drop in session to discuss projects on July 27, click here for more information.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Still time left to sign up for county’s largest careers event

12th July 2016

Employers, colleges, training providers and voluntary organisations are encouraged to book their place at this year’s Derbyshire Skills Festival. The festival is the largest careers event for young people in Derbyshire, last year attracting 11,000 people.

The event, which will be held at Queens Park Sports Centre on 15 September, is aimed at students aged 15 to 19, including those in Year 11 who are considering their options after school. There will also be sessions for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) will also be invited.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:-

“Lots of employers, colleges, training providers and voluntary organisations have already signed up for this year’s Skills Festival but we do still have a few places left.

“Last year, more than 11,000 people came along to the festival over three fantastic days and we’re getting ready for another great year so don’t forget to book your place.”

The festival is an opportunity for young people leaving school or college or looking for a job with training to talk to the experts and get all the information and guidance they need under one roof. Visitors to the event will also be able to take part in have-a-go sessions to test their skills and give them an idea what different careers might be like.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Made in Chesterfield

Schools invited to nominate sporting stars for annual awards

23rd June 2016

Derbyshire’s brightest and best sporting stars are to be recognised at a special awards ceremony later this year – with schools now encouraged to nominate their talented youngsters to ensure they don’t miss out.

The annual awards will return to Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium on October 19th – and teachers, schools, sports associations and area associations can now put forward outstanding performers who deserve recognition.

The Derbyshire Schools’ Sports Association (DSSA) Sports Awards honour young people who have excelled whilst competing in school sport or sport outside of school, as well as young people and adults who have been involved in voluntary roles off the playing field, court or gym floor.

Nominations are invited for individuals and teams from primary, secondary and special schools in Individual Achievement, Team Achievement, Young Leaders / Ambassadors and Adult Volunteer categories.

There is also a Special Award, for media and arts contribution to school sport, which recognises individuals and groups who have produced exceptional work such as photography, film, written reports, music or dance in relation to school sport.

The Individual Achievement, Team Achievement and Young Leaders / Ambassadors awards will be divided into Primary and Secondary School categories, as well as a disability category.

More information about the awards can be found at www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/dssa-awards, where an online nomination form is available. A nomination form can also be downloaded.

The closing date for all nominations is 5pm on Friday, July 29th.

Secondary School Team of the Year
Secondary School of the Year 2015: Tupton Hall School Under-12s Girls Football Team

Posted in About Chesterfield, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Uncategorised

Colleges collaborate to enhance further education provision

22nd June 2016

It has been announced that Chesterfield College will be forming key collaborations to improve the way learners and employers can access apprenticeship and further education provision, following a review of further education provision in the Sheffield City Region to meet the Government’s aims of creating resilient and efficient further education provision.

The report, produced at the end of the review, recommends that over the next 12 months Chesterfield College forms an apprenticeship company with other colleges in the region, including Barnsley College, Dearne Valley College, Sheffield College and the Rotherham and North Nottinghamshire College group. The apprenticeship company will make it easier for learners and employers to find and access apprenticeships, as well as reduce the costs of developing and marketing the apprenticeship offer for individual colleges.

The report also highlights that Chesterfield College is working on a new strategic partnership with a college outside the Sheffield City Region. Chesterfield College and Derby College are exploring opportunities for working in partnership to improve further education services for students, employers and local communities.

The aim of both colleges is to provide robust and locally responsive further education provision that will help to develop a highly skilled workforce for the region and improve employment prospects for young people and adults. Options are being explored that will strengthen the work of both colleges for the benefit of their communities.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College, said:-

“We are looking forward to working with colleges in the Sheffield City Region to grow apprenticeships and create a robust system that makes it easier for everyone to use apprenticeships to get the skills they need. Our plans to work with Derby College were born because both colleges share the same ethos, drive and quality approach to ensure we are developing a skilled workforce, so it makes sense to make the most of our strengths and geographical location by working together.

“Plans are in the early stages but the vision is to share our expertise to improve our offer to students and employers. Any partnership would look to improve and grow services that meet the priorities of our area. I look forward to working with the team at Derby College to develop the strategies.”

Mandie Stravino, Chief Executive at Derby College, added:-

“I am confident that much can be achieved through working together. Our focus will always be on ensuring we play our part in positively impacting on the prosperity of the communities we serve.”

Details of the strategic partnership are currently being developed and further details will be announced following the next area review, which includes colleges in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire region, planned to start in November.

Chesterfield College

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Made in Chesterfield, Uncategorised

Celebrating success at Chesterfield College

21st June 2016

A ceremony has been held at Chesterfield College to recognise students, apprentices and employers for their hard work over the past academic year.

Awards were presented to recognise a range of academic and personal achievements including commitment to learning, outstanding achievements and investment in workplace training.

Stuart Cutforth, Principal at Chesterfield College said:-

“Our students and apprentices are all at different stages in their lives and have different aims and goals, but one thing they do have in common is their passion for learning and self-improvement and that is really something worth celebrating.

“Our awards tonight recognise those people and organisations who stand out as going the extra mile to make the difference on their own educational journeys or to influence others. It’s a really inspirational evening.”

Childcare student, Megan Talbot, aged 20 from Chesterfield, claimed the title of Student of the Year. Her tutors nominated her in recognition of resilience and dedication she has shown despite a difficult start and juggling the demands of studying whilst looking after a young child.

Tarmac Driveways, in Chesterfield, won the Employer of the Year award for their commitment to apprenticeships and the quality of the training and extracurricular development that they offer their engineering apprentices.

The Apprentice of the Year award was presented to Megan Cameron, aged 19 from Eckington. Despite a variety of personal issues, Megan has overcome many barriers to achieve her Level 2 apprenticeship – always with an overwhelming positive attitude, making the most of the support on offer to her through all levels of her traineeship and apprenticeship, showing an unbelievable commitment to achieving her dream of becoming a qualified childcare worker.

Other winners on the night included:

• Jasmin Senior, Health and Social Care student – Commitment to Learning Award
• Amy Sharpe, Sixth form student – Improvement Award
• Cheryl Booth, Beauty student – Inspirational Learner Award
• Natalie King, Hospitality Student – Outstanding Achievement Award
• Harrison Davies, Foundation Studies student – Foundation Studies Student of the Year
• Michael Davison, Access to Higher Education student – Adult Student of the Year
• Cuan Whitworth, BSc (Hons) Information Technology Student – Higher Education Student of the Year
• Slack & Parr Ltd – Investment in Workplace Training

Student of the Year, Megan Talbot with the Gill Parkes, Assistant Principal, Classroom-Based Learning of Chesterfield College and Jo Addy, Director of Time and Beauty Spa who was guest speaker.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Made in Chesterfield, Uncategorised

Town’s manufacturing businesses called on to make their voice heard at free event

5th April 2016

Representatives from manufacturing and engineering businesses in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire are being invited to have their voice heard at the Chesterfield Manufacturing Forum on 28 April.

The free event, which is organised by Destination Chesterfield with support from United Cast Bar and NatWest, is being held at the Casa Hotel from 12.30 – 2.30pm. It is designed to give companies currently operating in the sector the opportunity to learn about the latest news and developments.

Sheffield’s 377th Master Cutler Craig McKay, who himself is CEO of Sheffield engineering firm Evenort Ltd, is speaking at the Forum. Mr KcKay will also be joined by Andy Tuscher from EEF Ltd, an organisation that supports and champions manufacturing and engineering in the UK and Europe.

The Forum, which was established by Destination Chesterfield in 2012, brings together key representatives in the town’s manufacturing and engineering sector and feeds into Growth, Skills and Funding plans in Sheffield City Region and D2N2 LEPs. The Forum has also led a programme of activity of awareness raising of jobs and careers within the sector amongst young people,

James Brand, Managing Director of United Cast Bar and Chair of the Forum said: “We want to ensure that the views of Chesterfield’s manufacturing and engineering sector are properly presented at a regional level and the Forum plays an important role in this. The more businesses that get involved, then the louder voice we have.

“The Forum is a great opportunity for firms to get together, share success and access information and advice to grow and prosper further.”

There will be a two course lunch as well as a chance to discuss business with colleagues in the sector.

Places are strictly limited and are only available to manufacturing and engineering businesses. To reserve your place visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/chesterfield-manufacturing-forum-tickets-23084479299

Posted in Business, Made in Chesterfield