The Student Nursing Times Awards is the largest student and nurse education awards in the country, and will take place at the end of April.
It recognises the work of individual student nurses, and the organisations and groups that help them excel. The finalists have been named, and now have to present to the judges to see who will be named the winner at the awards in Mayfair, London.
DVA’s Community Chesterfield project won the award last year, and the team is hoping to retain the title in 2023.
The partnership between Derbyshire Voluntary Action and the University of Derby is a great example of how charity organisations and universities can come together to have a positive impact on healthcare.
Daniel Jones, Marketing and Communications Officer at DVA commented: “Our partnership project being recognised as a finalist in the upcoming Student Nursing Times Awards is a testament to its success. We hope to impress the judges next month to win for the second year running.”
The collaboration between the two organisations has enabled nursing students to gain access to free training, placements, events, and opportunities to meet and network with community groups and experts, giving them invaluable experience in the healthcare sector. The university’s support for the charity’s work has also helped to strengthen relationships within the local community, helping to provide essential resources to community groups throughout Derbyshire.
This partnership is an inspiring example of how university-charity connections can have a meaningful impact on healthcare education as well as the ability to prepare future healthcare professionals for success.
Derbyshire Voluntary Action and the 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.
Students in the Art and Design Faculty at Chesterfield College are using Chesterfield Museum’s collections as part of a new project for the spring term.
On Friday 3 February the museum team took a beautiful example of a traditional celebratory ‘Posset Pot’ into the college for students to study and then use as an object of inspiration for their own work during the next term.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s fantastic to see our museum team working closely with Chesterfield College. Whilst the Museum remains closed for a multi-million-pound renovation it’s important that we work with our partners and explore alternative routes to help ensure local people can connect with our shared history.”
Dating back as far as the 1400s, Posset Pots were a traditional decorative ceramic to celebrate special occasions.
Posset, a popular hot spiced drink made of milk curdled with wine or ale, was shared between guests and everyone drank from the Posset Pot. It was brought out at Christmas or anniversaries, but most often the Posset Pot would be used at the celebration toast of weddings, which is why most of the examples in the Museum’s collection are decorated with the names of the happy couple.
Tracey Heyes, Art and Design Lecturer at Chesterfield College, said: “The students are looking forward to working with Chesterfield Museum in this capacity and are excited at the prospect of using the Posset Pot as a starting point for their individual projects.”
Chesterfield Museum is closed for a multi-million-pound renovation that aims to create an enhanced visitor experience, but whilst it is closed the museum team are working with partners ensure the collection can still be enjoyed by the community.
Outreach cases featuring some fascinating objects from the collection are being displayed at different Borough Council sites around the borough (Visitor Information Centre, Market Hall, Town Hall, Queen’s Park Sports Centre and Staveley Healthy Living Centre). The museum team will also be attending and hosting activities at public events happening throughout the year and is working with partners, including Chesterfield College, to present exhibitions, workshops, and events in the future.
The ambitious renovation of Stephenson Memorial Hall which houses both Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre will bring together an extended theatre, a reconfigured museum, new gallery space, a café bar, and education and community facilities. The work will also protect the Grade II listed building, improve accessibility, to ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.
Funding for the project has been secured through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund with additional funding from Arts Council England.
This was evidenced recently at the town’s Employability and Skills Conference, which saw more than a hundred delegates discuss the current skills landscape in the town.
At the conference, Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director at the Devonshire Group updated attendees on the exciting Construction Skills Hub, which is set to be developed in Mastin Moor.
The hub will provide a live learning environment for apprentices in the town, in order to help them gain vital skills and experience, helping people in Chesterfield build strong careers in the property and construction sector.
In the East Midlands, an extra 17,500 construction workers will be needed from 2023-2027, an annual requirement of 3,500 new workers every year.
We spoke to Andrew at the conference to get his thoughts on the current skills landscape across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, and how local organisations are working to meet the demand.
We’ve heard in recent times a lot about skills shortages in the property and construction sector. To what extent is this affecting the industry?
“One of the problems the property and construction sector faces at the moment, is that its workforce is getting older. We need to begin bringing in the next generation.
“The next generation can help us contribute towards solving the housing crisis, delivering the employment and industrial growth that we want to see in the country, and helping to deliver the physical, social and green infrastructure needed to help us meet that key target of net-zero by 2050.”
What can Chesterfield and North Derbyshire firms do to bring more skilled and talented people into their companies?
“We’ve been here at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Skills and Employability Conference today (Wednesday, 8th February), hearing from both the education sector and industry about the skills that are needed.
“My key message for people in industry and the property and construction sector, is to get involved!
“It is incumbent on us to actually make a difference, get involved and encourage people into what we do. We should be proud of it.”
For a young person, how rewarding can a career in the property and construction sector be?
“I absolutely love the business that I’m in and I love the property and construction sector. The people I meet, the problems I solve, and the fact that I’m part of teams that build the places that we live, work and play in.
“To come away from a project and know that you were actually a part of it, and that project is going to be there for years to come is a great feeling.”
Tell us about the partnership working taking place locally to encourage the growth of skills in the property and construction sectors.
“You’ll have heard a lot about the work that we’re doing as part of the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group.
In the forum, we launched a pilot scheme for women in construction. That is a mentoring scheme where women who are already in the property and construction business, have been mentoring pupils in years 10 and 11 across local schools in Chesterfield.
The second way we’ve been making a difference is the work we have been doing with Parkside School. Members from the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group have been into the school, carrying out a speed networking session with the pupils to show them the range of careers and projects that we get involved in. We answered some of their questions and tried to light that spark so that they take more of an interest in what we do.
I’d also like to refer to the Construction Skills Hub that we’ve been working to deliver with Chesterfield College, Chesterfield Borough Council and the University of Derby. This will be delivered on-site at Mastin Moor across the course of 2023.
New apprentices will be able to learn the skills that the industry needs at the moment, alongside what the industry is going to need in the future to hit those net-zero targets.”
With a range of regeneration projects taking place in Chesterfield currently, do you feel it’s an exciting time to get into the profession?
“The sector is always exciting, but it is particularly exciting in Chesterfield at the moment because there is so much going on.
There is an awful lot going on in Chesterfield at the moment, so it really is a great time. What I would say though, is that it is always a great time to be getting involved in the industry.
If you’re not building it, you’re usually planning for it or trying to solve the problems that make it happen, so the key thing is to get involved!”
Chesterfield is the first town in the UK to declare itself an Apprentice Town – demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy by retaining and developing young talent in the town in order to attract more employers to invest here.
Chesterfield College has announced it has received a ‘good’ rating by education inspector OFSTED, following an inspection in late 2022.
The college was found to be ‘Good’ across all eight key areas of the key areas of inspection, and also received the highest possible rating for its contribution to meeting skills needs. Inspectors praised the college’s ‘highly responsive’ approach to the ‘changing needs of the local community’.
Julie Richards, Principal and CEO at Chesterfield College, said: “We are delighted to achieve such a positive Ofsted inspection which is testament to the remarkable staff and students at Chesterfield College.”
“We are particularly pleased to achieve the highest judgement for our contribution to the skills agenda, one of only a handful of providers to be recognised for this across the UK.”
“This demonstrates the college’s ability to support our local businesses and communities to grow and prosper and confirms the positive relationships we have fostered to address the skills needs for the future.”
In the report, OFSTED praised learners at the college, stating:
“Students’ work shows strong critical analysis skills and the ability to understand and analyse complex information.”
“Students demonstrate high levels of empathy and maturity in their practical work.”
“Many volunteer in valuable community activities. For example, students participate in a clothes swap that promotes sustainability and design clothes with school children that promote inclusivity.”
“Students explore each other’s opinions respectfully and can link British values to their subject.”
On standards of teaching at the college, OFSTED commented:
“Teachers set clear expectations for students’ behaviour. Classrooms are calm and productive environments.”
“Teachers plan the curriculum effectively to gradually develop students’ and apprentices’ underpinning knowledge and skills”
“They use a variety of appropriate activities, provide clear explanations and design good-quality resources. Teachers make good links between theory and practical activities.”
“Teachers prepare apprentices well for their final assessments.”
“Teachers provide students with good-quality written or spoken feedback. Students understand their strengths and how to improve their work.”
“They benefit from a range of opportunities to keep their subject-specific knowledge and skills up to date, such as on-site visits and shadowing activities in industry. They use this experience to enhance the curriculum for students and apprentices. For example, carpentry and joinery teachers receive training on sustainable kitchen fitting and share this with students.”
OFSTED also recognised the college’s contribution to meeting skills needs:
“The college makes a strong contribution to meeting skills needs.”
“Leaders understand very well how they contribute to meeting the skills needs of the local and regional area. They establish several highly beneficial partnerships with relevant stakeholders to support economic recovery and regeneration.”
“Leaders and managers involve employers and universities very effectively in curriculum design and implementation.”
“Leaders are very proactive in seeking advice on new sector developments and the latest industry standards. They make good use of funding to update premises and purchase industry-standard equipment and resources to meet future skills needs. This equips students very well with the skills they need for their future careers.”
“Leaders are highly responsive to the changing needs of the local community, which is rightly valued by their partners. For example, managers quickly adapted the ESOL curriculum as a direct response to the growth of Ukrainian refugees in the area.”
On the support offered to learners, OFSTED said:
“Students and apprentices highly value the support and encouragement they receive from staff. Learning, engagement, achievement and progress (LEAP) mentors have a very positive impact on students. They help them to develop useful strategies to manage their physical and mental health.”
“Students and apprentices feel safe at college or at work. They have access to a wellbeing hub, where they can receive specialist advice and support. Staff are vigilant, and students and apprentices are confident that any concerns that they raise will be dealt with effectively by staff.”
“Students, including those with high needs, have access to a wide range of clubs and societies”
“Students with additional needs are identified quickly, and appropriate support is put in place to meet their needs. Teachers support students with special educational needs and/or disabilities who move from pathway courses into vocational courses well. They ensure learning support staff are consistent and that any ongoing support strategies are understood by teachers.”
“Managers ensure that students and apprentices have access to a wide range of help and support. They work well with local agencies and charities to provide this. Where referrals are made, staff record these in detail and take timely and appropriate actions to support students. The safeguarding team is diligent, reflecting on and developing approaches to supporting students and apprentices.”
In terms of progression and employment for srudents at the Chesterfield College, OFSTED noted:
“Young people set career goals and plan how to achieve them. Apprentices often secure permanent roles following their studies. Adults develop valuable life skills or gain qualifications to help them progress to higher education. Students with high needs have clear progression routes to develop their independence or gain employment.”
“Leaders and managers plan the curriculum with a strong focus on progression and employment. For example, there are clear progression routes from entry level pathway courses to vocational courses. Students are well prepared to make the transition because of the subject taster sessions they complete.”
“Young people benefit from good opportunities to undertake a range of work-related activities. This includes work experience, guest lecturers, work-related projects and visits and trips. Students with high needs, who study vocational courses, benefit from these high-quality opportunities.”
“Careers staff work very closely with curriculum teams to help students, adults, apprentices and students with high needs understand the potential routes available to them.”
Chesterfield College supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Becoming an apprentice offers many benefits to help progress your career in a chosen sector.
What better way to learn about apprenticeships than straight from local apprentices? We spoke to the following individuals to find out why they became an apprentice and how it’s benefitting their career. They also share some top tips around becoming an apprentice.
“In school I was introduced to apprenticeships. I just knew it was something I wanted to do. I wasn’t interested in going to college, sixth form or university. I think most people who take on an apprenticeship would agree, they would rather get out there and start learning in more ways than just being taught in a classroom.”
Lewis’s advice…
Keep working hard, the end result will be worth it!
“I decided university wasn’t for me so explored apprenticeships within the marketing field online. I thought an apprenticeship would be a smooth way to change career, gain a qualification and experience whilst being paid.”
Elicia’s advice…
Make sure the apprenticeship is within a field you have a genuine passion for and enjoy.
“I am enjoying developing my knowledge in accountancy and as a result getting more responsibility. My apprenticeship has allowed me to be able to run payrolls for clients and also get certified on three of the main bookkeeping systems used by the company. I am already adding value to the business.”
Henry’s advice…
It’s a great way of continuing to learn in a field without having to go to university and, unlike a normal college course, you are earning a wage while you learn.
“I have severe dyslexia and struggled at school so had to look at other ways I could stand out on my CV. My parents and school encouraged me to look at different ways I could achieve my career ambitions and an apprenticeship, which combined on-the-job learning with assessment, enabled that.”
“I was a chef for five years after leaving school. I fell into it from washing pots in the kitchen. Lockdown came and I realised I wanted a change of career, something which I could be more interested in and passionate about. An apprenticeship gave me the ability to change career but also get a qualification along the way to support me in a long-term career in the IT sector.”
Jake’s advice…
Do it! There’s an apprenticeship in every field you can imagine and to be able to earn alongside learning is a great benefit.
“Progression is really important to me, and my employer recognises this so has offered me more opportunities to learn. I was assigned the new uniform distribution to over 1500 staff. I love it. It’s all down to me, the ordering, distribution, etc. Moving up within Peak Pharmacy is what it’s all about for me.”
Ria’s advice…
Go for it! Having the chance to get first-hand experience on the job while getting a qualification is an amazing opportunity and can really help set off your career in the right direction.
“My apprenticeship has gone beyond my expectations. I never thought I’d have the relationships I do have in the workplace. They not only make each day more enjoyable, but you can learn from the people around you.”
Nathan’s advice…
If you choose an apprenticeship, don’t just go in and do your job, listen to your colleagues, because they have already been in that career for a long time so they have made mistakes and gone through failure but that means they have learned and developed. This will help you more than any book, video or piece of college work.
8. Age is no barrier to an apprenticeship
Meet Wendy Blunt, Level 3 Community Health and Wellbeing Worker at Chesterfield Borough Council. Despite having an already established career, Wendy used an apprenticeship to gain qualifications within her current role in a cost-effective way, proving that age is no barrier to an apprenticeship. She said:
“I’d been looking for relevant courses for quite a few years to accompany my role but never found anything suitable or, if I did, they were very expensive. My manager and HR found this apprenticeship. It was the cheapest way to get a new qualification or do a relevant course.”
Wendy’s advice…
Make sure it’s what you want to do and that the subject matter is relevant to your role. Also make sure that you’ll have time to be able to complete the assignments.
9. Gain experience in the field
Emma Catley, Degree Apprentice Quantity Surveyor at Woodall Homes, said:
“I chose to do an apprenticeship to learn more about the role of a Quantity Surveyor and hoped it would help me to succeed in my degree. Being in the workplace is allowing me to acquire new skills whilst getting my qualification.”
Emma’s advice…
Get an apprenticeship with the right company; one that allows you to get hands-on experience within your workplace, enables you to gain knowledge from your colleagues and mentor and provides helpful exposure to learn how to get things done in the real world.
“I became an apprentice because I wanted to upskill and learn more about the financial services industry, especially the compliance side of the business. With the support of my directors and tutors, I enjoy the learning element of my apprenticeship which complements my job as a financial services advisor.”
Emily’s advice…
For anyone considering starting an apprenticeship, I’d advise them to make sure that they are passionate about what they will study; it will make learning so much more exciting.
“I began my apprenticeship because I wanted to gain new knowledge and experience in the financial services industry. Completing my apprenticeship alongside my job as a mortgage administrator allows me to actively put into practice new skills whilst in the workplace.”
Abigail’s advice…
If you enjoy learning in depth about something you’re interested in, I’d recommend that you start an apprenticeship.
11. Earn and learn on the job
Ravi is an Apprentice Barber at Less Than Zero Barbers. Learn about his experience as an apprentice by watching the video below.
Chesterfield hot tub manufacturer Superior Wellness has launched a range of new products, which are set to be unveiled at the UK’s leading pool, spa and wellness show today.
The Platinum Spas Deluxe Range boasts premium features and upgrades – introducing the Tahiti, Refresh, Happy, Palma and the brand new all seater Seville.
With a brand-new look and feel the Deluxe range has changed with a more aesthetically pleasing design with the curvature of the acrylic. Designed with comfort in mind the seats are now sculpted and shaped around your body.
For a cleaner look the control panel is now solely located on one side without the distraction of other components and features. Featuring more modern and premium looking side panels complete with an LED Platinum Spas logo the new models are certainly more stylish.
Gareth Ward, Sales Director said: “The Deluxe range now includes the award-winning energy efficient insulation Platinum Premium Shield. This is designed by the Superior Heatlock Insulation Process which provides a considerable difference in the heat retained in the hot tub as well as a reduction in energy costs.
“With a focus on innovation, the latest technology and an abundance of features, the new range includes a number of improvements.”
The jets and diverters have been upgraded promoting a better hydrotherapy massage.
The audio system has also improved with brand new speakers which are located on top of the acrylic rather than on side panels, giving the Deluxe range a more modern look and feel.
The hot tub cover is now fabric instead of vinyl. We’ve also increased the overall thickness of the cover providing greater insulation and creating energy savings.
The new deluxe range has also been CEC tested which shows the commitment to being more energy efficient. The circ pump has also been upgraded to a new circulation pump, which is much quieter and more energy efficient.
Gareth Ward, Sales Director at Superior Wellness: “We are very excited about the launch of the new Deluxe range.
“The Seville hot tub is brand new in the range and an all seater spa. All seater hot tubs are very popular, particularly in the US. They are perfect for families and friends who want to spend time relaxing and enjoying the hot tub together.”
“We always listen to feedback from our customers and partner network to help inform our decisions on innovation.”
The Platinum Spas brand continues to innovate every year with new models being introduced to ensure they offer the very best in technology and design, with a wide choice to suit every budget.
For more information on becoming an authorised Platinum Spas partner or would like to find your nearest Platinum Spas showroom, visit the Platinum Spas website today.
Superior Wellness supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Chesterfield’s MP and the Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education recently paid a visit to NIBE’s newly refurbished Training Academy in the area.
Toby Perkins MP met with NIBE’s Managing Director Phil Hurley, where they held discussions on the role of heat pumps in decarbonising the economy and the need to upskill the installer base to meet net zero targets.
Mr Toby Perkins was also given a tour around the firm’s latest heat pump products and smart solutions. The refurbished training centre will provide for increasing the available heat pump installer base in the UK.
Mr Perkins’ visit provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of upskilling the new generation of installers and engineers on the route to net zero – and the drive needed to meet the government’s target of 600,000 heat pump installs per year by 2028.
The Shadow Minister for Skills & Further Education commented: “I was delighted to visit NIBE’s new training academy and very pleased that they have chosen to further invest in Chesterfield. Green investment is vital to the future of our economy and our ability to meet our Net Zero commitments and fight climate change.
“The development of new technologies, such as advanced heat pumps, also requires the development of new skills in the workforce. The NIBE training academy will help provide the next generation of skilled engineers in this sector and provide vital new job opportunities locally. I look forward to watching their progress and hope to come back and meet some of the people who have been trained here in Chesterfield.”
The NIBE Training Academy in Chesterfield is currently taking bookings for best-in-class comprehensive installation, commissioning, and servicing and maintenance courses, alongside the NIBE Pro installer partnership scheme, providing MCS & NAPIT recognised and Ofqual regulated training and technical support.
The visit follows the academy’s grand re-opening in December, where NIBE was joined by The Worshipful Mayor of Chesterfield Tony Rogers and his wife Mayoress Sharon Rogers for the unveiling. Attendees got the chance to gain greater insight into the low carbon training opportunities available as NIBE called for a growing installer base.
NIBE Managing Director Phil Hurley said: “It was a pleasure to once again meet our local Chesterfield MP, Toby Perkins, on Friday and to show him around our flagship Training Academy. We held productive talks on the vital need to expand the heat pump installer base in order to meet Government installation targets and how our products will contribute to producing more sustainable heating across the country.”
NIBE supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Schools and employers, who are keen to support the future career and job opportunities for local young people, are being urged to attend the free annual conference to learn more about the exciting initiative.
The Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference, which aims to strengthen links between education providers and businesses, is returning for a seventh year and will take place at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 8 February, from 8am -11am.
Confirmed speakers at the go-to event include Andy Byrne, Property Development Director for the Devonshire Group, which is behind the Staveley Works scheme. He will be updating on the innovative Construction Skills Hub, which is set to provide specialist training for thousands of learners as part of the Staveley Town Deal.
Alongside Andy Byrne, Julie Richards, Principal of The Chesterfield College Group will be speaking at the event. The College, with support from the University of Derby, has been appointed as the training provider for the new Hub. Over 10 years, the public/private sector collaboration aims to provide training, careers insights, and work experience for over 5,000 learners.
The conference is an opportunity for businesses, schools and education providers in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to come together and shape the future of education and skills delivery in the area.
During the morning, businesses are invited to feed into local and regional skills plans and help shape the strategic direction through discussion of business needs, challenges and successes.
Organised by Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield, with support from Derbyshire North Careers Hub, the conference is part of the Derbyshire Festival of Business programme and open to all businesses, schools and education providers in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to attend.
Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This year’s Skills and Employability Conference looks set to be another packed showcase of the exciting opportunities and aspirations which exist across our borough. It’s a great way to strengthen the links between business and education, which ensures that our young people can develop the skills local employers need – creating a thriving and ambitious local workforce for the future.
“On the day, we will be delighted to be joined by students from Whittington Green School and look forward to hearing from senior leaders at Brookfield Community School about steps we can take together to develop robust career strategies that will further benefit the borough’s young people, along with an employer panel that will be chaired by Tarmac’s apprentice.
“The spotlight will also be on some of our innovative skills projects which are moving ahead in the borough, including investment in the Construction Skills Hub through the Staveley Town Deal which is set to create some fantastic opportunities for thousands of learners over the coming years, especially young people living in the Staveley area.”
Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, commented: “With over 15,000 students set to gain their GCSEs and A Levels over the next five years in North Derbyshire, a strong and successful partnership between education providers and local businesses is critical. We need to ensure young people have the right skills, are work-ready and can make the most of the employment opportunities available in a wide range of sectors and industries on their doorstep. This conference is the first step in making this happen.”
Chesterfield’s White Rose Beauty Colleges is reminding people across the town of the range of career opportunities in the sector, by hosting a relaunch event this month.
The business opened in the town back in November 2019, just months before the lockdown. Head of Recruitment, Helen Bradshaw takes up the story on how the business had to quickly adapt to changes brought on by the pandemic:
“We successfully navigated our business through this difficult period by adapting our courses to facilitate online learning but like most businesses we were unable to execute all our plans due to the restrictions in place.
“With lockdown firmly behind us we feel now is a great time to host an open event to showcase who we are, what courses we offer and reach out to those in the community who may still not of heard of us.”
Helen and her colleagues are hopeful that the relaunch event will help to engage the local community and provide people with an insignt into the key learning opportunities they are able to offer.
She commented: “We have an evening of positivity and fun planned, with music and light refreshments, mini treatments such as hand and arm massage or shoulder massage to enjoy, make-up demonstrations and a tour of our college with staff on hand to answer any questions about the importance of our role in the learning and development of others and contribution to our town. In addition, and our way of saying thank you all attendees will receive a voucher which can be redeemed against a treatment at another time.”
White Rose Beauty Colleges is confident that the business will continue to grow in Chesterfield and is dedicated to its commitment and contribution towards the Chesterfield community.
Helen added: “Recently we became part of The Learning Curve Group and feel excited about the opportunities this will offer in the future. We will continue to provide an excellent training environment in the heart of Chesterfield where White Rose Beauty Colleges is an accredited centre of excellence offering VTCT and ITEC registered qualifications. These awarding bodies are recognised worldwide and make us a great choice for those wishing to use their qualification in the professional environment.
“Our college plays an active role in supporting Derbyshire schools by attending their careers events, also we host open days and taster sessions in our college throughout the year. Our excellent two-year Study Programme for school leavers helps prepare the learner for work in the industry by providing a realistic salon environment where members of the public can book treatments.
“We are passionate to introduce the concept of how diverse a career in beauty can be, with excellent links to organisations who we regularly invite as guest speakers to our college. We have forged good links with local salons and are happy to advertise job opportunities around our college. We provide the opportunity for NEETS learners who often come to us with challenges and obstacles which we help and support them to overcome. We literally encourage every learner to believe in themselves and achieve their goals.”
“Our adult learners can choose from a varied and interesting course programme, we find our learners are either looking for a career change or have a job they enjoy but want to learn something creative. We have strong links with the Job Centre and have attended career events, our Level 2 Diploma courses are fully funded including kit and uniform to anyone who is unemployed to ensure those in need are not denied the chance to join us.
“Most recently we have offered and facilitated courses for a local group of Ukrainian refugees who wished to upskill whilst they are in the UK or simply enjoy the sociability of meeting new friends. We will continue to reach out and support local charities and businesses alike, my belief is we can and do make a difference.”
White Rose Beuty Colleges Supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
A major skills event hosted by Chesterfield training provider, Workpays, is returning to Derbyshire on National Apprenticeship Week 2023.
The Big Assembly is an award-winning, annual broadcast that provides apprenticeship advice to schools, parents, students, and employers. Last year’s broadcast was watched live and on demand by 100,000 people.
Today, Workpays is proud to announce The Big Assembly will be broadcast live at the National Stone Centre, a 40 acre Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Tens of thousands of people have signed up already and, if you haven’t yet, you can too at www.bigassembly.org.
Alex Glasner, MD, Workpays, said: “The aim of the Big Assembly is simple: inspire the next generation of apprentices. For many school leavers, the broadcast is a starting point to discover what their next steps are after graduation – whether it be employment or further education. The Big Assembly is the jewel in the crown of National Apprenticeship Week.
“With more and more people tuning in each year, we are excited to partner with the stunning National Stone Centre in Derbyshire, which supports many different types of apprenticeships.
“This year’s Big Assembly will be the BIGGEST one ever.”
Sarah Fry, Head of Membership and Marketing, Institute of Quarrying said: “The National Stone Centre is the home of the Institute of Quarrying, a membership organisation which serves the on-going training and development needs of the skilled workforces of the mineral products industry. We are delighted to be hosting the Big Assembly.”
Emily Noble, Future Careers Manager, Minerals Matter said: “Minerals Matter is working across the mineral products sector and with educators to demonstrate the sustainable and diverse, exciting career opportunities that exist for young people. Having the Big Assembly at the National Stone Centre, in partnership with the D2N2 Careers Hub, enables us to further showcase this great sector and how young people can shape their world within it.”
The 2023 Big Assembly is being broadcast live from the National Stone Centre near Matlock, Derbyshire, on the 7th February at 11:10 am.
This year’s live event will include careers advice from companies big and small and from people who work in lots of different sectors, including media, construction, cars, finance, and our panel has some well-known names.
The 2023 Big Assembly is free and can be watched online. Simply sign up in advance: www.BigAssembly.org
Workpays supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Maddy, a Year 9 pupil from Whittington Green School who visited performance vehicle specialist Scooby Clinic in Wingerworth, said: “I would definitely consider a future career in STEM. There’s a stigma about STEM being just for boys but actually more women should give it a go; they can do it. It’s not just for boys.”
Maddy was one of more than 150 male and female students from secondary schools throughout Chesterfield that took part in workplace visits to companies operating in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) sector during the four-week festival.
The visits, which were organised by Direct Education Business Partnership, were designed to introduce secondary school students to the varied STEM careers available in the local economy.
Sonya Martin, Out of School Tuition Tutor at Whittington Green Secondary School, praised the campaign, saying: “We’ve had quite a few female students say they didn’t realise engineering was open to them and that, actually, the work would be a lot of fun. Having the chance to bring them around different workplaces, especially Scooby Clinic, has been really good for them because we very rarely get to know what goes on in our local environment.”
Aztec Oils, which is based in Bolsover and is one of the UK’s leading specialists in high-performance lubricant manufacture and distribution, welcomed students from Springwell Community College.
During the visit Year 9 pupil Lara commented; “Being here today has made me reconsider my GCSE options. It’s shown me that STEM is more than science and there are lots of jobs and so many opportunities out there.”
Julie Richards, Principal of The Chesterfield College Group, explained: “It is so positive to see the impact of raising aspirations in STEM subjects with girls across the region thanks to initiatives like Made in Chesterfield. This is the latest in a long line of positive actions to breakdown any perceived barriers for young women who enter a career in STEM. Year on year we are delighted to see more and more young, driven women studying programmes and apprenticeships at Chesterfield College in STEM industries. These students consistently inform us that when talking to school age girls about getting into a STEM related career they should ‘just go for it!’ Whilst they admitted they felt daunted when first entering the industry, that apprehension quickly subsided when they realised how supported and valued they were by their classmates or work colleagues.”
According to a report by The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Diversity and Inclusion in STEM, only 27% of the UK’s STEM workforce is female compared to 52% of the wider workforce.
Made in Chesterfield, which is sponsored by the Chesterfield College Group, is now in its eighth year. The annual festival is playing a key role in addressing the technical skills shortage amongst local businesses.
Research by the UK Commission for Employment & Skills found that 43 per cent of national STEM vacancies are hard to fill due to a shortage of skilled and experienced applicants.
Ivan Fomin Destination Chesterfield board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the Borough said: “I am delighted at the impact the Made in Chesterfield festival has made with students, schools and businesses this year. Seeing so many mixed groups of students undertaking visits to STEM workplaces in Chesterfield is incredibly encouraging. Ensuring that our workplaces are diverse is critical to tackling skills shortages in the sector both locally and nationally.”
Clare Talati, Chief Executive of DEBP added: “DEBP are delighted to work in partnership on the initiative; at a time with increased pressures for schools and employers, the feedback demonstrates just how important workplace visits are in enabling young people to understand more about the amazing opportunities available locally.”
Since its 2014 launch, Made in Chesterfield has introduced over 3,500 young people to the jobs and careers available operating in the STEM sector within local businesses.
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