apprentice

Why should I start a career in manufacturing and engineering in Chesterfield?

Do you enjoy making things, or using maths and science to solve problems? How about checking for accuracy? Or making sure customers get the best service? If any of these relate, a career in manufacturing and engineering might be right for you.

There are plenty of positions to explore in the sector. However, for many people, it’s often only the warehouse-based roles that first come to mind.

In fact, the sector is so varied, we’re sure you will find an area to suit your skills. Especially in Chesterfield, where 4,000 people are employed in manufacturing and engineering companies.

Read on to hear from individuals about their experiences of working in the sector.

So, what roles can I choose from?

Careers in manufacturing and engineering can range from machine operator to quality assurance or business administrator to electrical engineer. The list goes on! Here are just 5 roles available locally that you could consider.

1. I could be: An Apprentice Fitter

Josh Henshaw is currently undertaking his Level 3 Engineering apprenticeship with his role as an apprentice Fitter at MSE Hiller. A typical day in this role might include visual inspections of machines or test running them to identify any problems and writing reports. Josh tells us:

Man inspecting machines

Josh Henshaw, MSE Hiller

“I decided to become an apprentice as it allows me the opportunity to experience working life and progress physically, while also continuing my education. I am enjoying my career in manufacturing and engineering as it allows me to be hands-on. It also encourages me to use multiple skills at once, like problem-solving, communication, creativity and using my initiative. I face new challenges daily, and the skills help develop you personally as well as in work. I have nothing but praise for the industry.”

2. I could be: A Water Civil Engineer Apprentice

Earthson Edison Xaviour is an apprentice Water Civil Engineer working for AECOM Chesterfield. A Water Civil Engineer designs and builds water-based projects, such as water treatment, sewerage and flood defence structures. Earthson Xaviour said:

Man sitting at a computer with google maps open

Earthson Edison Xaviour, AECOM

“I am passionate about the water recourses sector because this sector is extremely impactful. Engineers involved have an important role in the betterment of individuals and communities. I chose to do an apprenticeship because it would allow me to apply my academic knowledge and develop innovative solutions for problems. By selecting this course of study, I was able to explore a sector that I am passionate about, gain hands-on experience, and earn a degree in the process.”

Search career in manufacturing and engineering opportunities at AECOM Chesterfield…

3. I could be: A Business Administration Apprentice

Abi Lawson works in customer services for United Cast Bar as a Business Admin apprentice, which involves providing office support such as data input. She said:

Woman with blonde hair sitting at a desk with a computer

Abi Lawson, United Cast Bar

“I’m learning a range of different skills and meeting a range of different people from all over the world. So, even though I’m based in the customer service department, I’m getting the chance to work in a range of different departments alongside it. I can focus on the business side of things, working in the manufacturing and engineering sector and then switch it up and focus on the admin work my role brings me. I’m very passionate about where I work and what I do within United Cast Bar. As an apprentice, you are being pushed out of your comfort zone and being made to integrate into an environment that you have never been in before.”

Search career in manufacturing and engineering opportunities at United Cast Bar…

4. I could be: A Quality Practitioner Apprentice

Also an apprentice at United Cast Bar, Harry Snell is a Level 4 Quality Practitioner apprentice. This role involves ensuring that an organisation is meeting regulations and helping develop processes for this. He explained:

Man in orange high vis and yellow hard hat stood working with a steel bar

Harry Snell, United Cast Bar

“Working in the manufacturing and engineering sector can be fun as well as testing, and within this industry you’re able to learn a whole new skill set as well as meet and interact with new people. Even though I am part of the quality team, I interact with other departments and learn what it’s like to be in the sector.

“I am very passionate about my apprenticeship as it allows me to learn all about how a quality team and a business works from within. At United Cast Bar, as an apprentice you are challenged every day to complete new tasks and learn new skills. This has allowed me to grow and become more mature, as you are put into an environment that you have never been a part of. As I am learning all about quality systems and standards it’s showing me all about how a production business operates and this is something that I enjoy doing and learning about.

“My role at United Cast Bar is half office based and half shop floor based which is amazing as I love the flexibility that it has to offer. It has also given me the opportunity to see how things are produced. I can see all the extra work behind production, like all the standards and rules that businesses must comply to. In my opinion this is the best sector to be part of.”

5. I could be: an Engineer

Having completed her apprenticeship, Lauren Turner holds a Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship and works for AECOM. Civil Engineers design and oversee the building of structures like roads, railways and power plants. Lauren tells us:

Young woman sitting at a computer and smiling at the camera

“Working in the engineering sector is both challenging and rewarding. So far in my career I have worked on a wide range of projects – from assessing historic railway structures to designing components for a nuclear submarine dry dock. Earlier in my apprenticeship my job role was predominantly based around creating technical drawings and sketches. As I progressed through my apprenticeship and developed my knowledge and theory, I moved into the assessment and then design of structures which is predominantly based around undertaking calculations using both maths and computer programmes.

“In addition to technical based work, I have also gained site experience during my career. I began by assisting with inspections on site. As I developed within my career I moved onto supervising on site and planning/coordinating inspections. For females who are interested in getting into the industry – don’t be put off by the misconception that it is a male based industry. In my short career so far, the number of female colleagues I work with had increased vastly. Hopefully it will continue to do so as more females get into engineering whether it be through an apprenticeship or otherwise!”

Interested?

Two men working with the slogan 'Find your apprenticeship' written across the image

If you’re feeling excited about the possibility of a career in manufacturing and engineering, there are lots of apprenticeship providers in Chesterfield that you can check out. You could also visit Chesterfield College for one of their Apprenticeship Advice Evenings or get involved with Made in Chesterfield. Whatever role you’re interested in, Chesterfield is a brilliant place to start your career.

Browse apprenticeship vacancies in Chesterfield…

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Why build a career in Property and Construction?

Are you interested in a practical or professional career? Something that would make the most of your problem-solving skills and your eye for detail? Then why not consider getting into the property and construction sector with an apprenticeship in Chesterfield? With 17,500 extra workers needed in the East Midlands by 2027 and 10 local development sites being monitored across the borough, now is an exciting time to get involved.

But where to start on your job hunt – with so many options to choose from? Careers Made in Chesterfield showcases the wide range of opportunities available through workshops and placements with local businesses.

Man in a fleece which says 'Stepnell'

Careers Made in Chesterfield workshop – Stepnell

Lauren, a trainee preconstruction estimator who works for Henry Boot Construction, was one of the individuals involved – check out her video below:


Lauren, Henry Boot Construction

We spoke to Lauren and three other apprentices across the sector: a joiner, a roofer, and an assistant property manager. They gave us three strong reasons why they love their jobs. Which was exactly what we needed to help answer your question: Why build a career in property and construction?

1. Every day is different

Not only can you choose from a variety of jobs in property and construction, but within each role there is a range of responsibilities to be undertaken. Dale, an apprentice joiner at Stepnell, might find himself erecting stud walls one day and hanging doors the next. Working on different sites means taking on different roles, and each location presents different challenges:

“I like the variety of work with no two sites being the same. I can be working on any of Stepnell’s sites in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire or Leicestershire and all of them are very different. I’ve worked on several school sites recently. This has included doing some traditional work on the roof at Anthony Gell School. Usually, roof trusses would be made off-site and brought in but we couldn’t do that there. So, we repaired the timbers on-site.”

Man in hard hat and high vis vest drilling into wooden wall

Dale, Stepnell

Plus, you’ll be working with lots of different people. Whether it’s a new team, residents of an estate or owners of a business premises. This adds further diversity to your role. George is an apprentice in property management at Roy Peters Estates and finds this one of the most enjoyable elements of his job:

“I enjoy meeting new people and growing my knowledge of the industry. No two days are the same. I get to think on my feet and use my initiative to ensure our management clients and tenants get the best service I can offer. Being able to travel to see interesting property and to meet interesting people adds a lot of variety to the work.”

Man in shirt and tie sitting at a computer desk on the phone

George, Roy Peters Estates

2. You’ll always find new challenges

For many of us, doing the same thing every day can get boring. But the pace of jobs in the property and construction sector means plenty of new things to learn. That means you will always be growing and developing your skillset. Lots of apprentices find the practical nature of their roles, as well as the need to be able to use their initiative, helps keep things interesting in their working day. This is important for William, who is Dalton Roofing‘s apprentice roofer:

“I enjoy the roofing maintenance side of my job the most. It is a problem-solving exercise to ensure you get to the bottom of an issue, which is interesting. I also enjoy being active in my work and being hands on. Plus, there are so many different roof types, so each day has new things to tackle.”

Dalton Roofing apprentice

William, Dalton Roofing

This applies to other areas of the industry too. As a trainee preconstruction estimator, Lauren’s job involves planning for projects and thinking about materials, costs and staffing:

“It is a very high paced industry, but I love the different type of work we receive. It keeps me on my toes with all the different projects I’m working on. I enjoy coming to work and learning new things every single day. Having an apprenticeship encourages me to thrive and develop my skills at work and at college. I get site experience and an amazing team in the office to work with, who are supportive and drive me on to do my best.”

Woman sitting at a computer desk

Lauren, Henry Boot

3. Skills for life

You’ve probably heard it said, “Get a trade under your belt, you’ll have skills for life”. The reason this is such a common phrase is because it’s true! By taking on an apprenticeship in property and construction, you’ll not only build a career, but you’ll develop abilities which you can use in your personal life, too.

There’s also good job security within the industry, as the practical skills are useful in lots of ways and to lots of people. Lauren tells us it’s a big part of why she thinks a job in the sector is a good choice for anyone:

“Just do it. It is an industry that will never die. Society will always need properties and construction, there will always be jobs in this industry. There are a wide range of jobs in the industry too, including ones you wouldn’t think of.”

Dale agrees, saying:

“I wanted to have a trade that would stay with me for the rest of my life. There are endless opportunities and, if you are prepared to work hard and learn, you will succeed.”

Still wondering whether a career in property and construction could be for you? There are many reasons to give it a go, and the ones we’ve talked about are just the beginning. Start your journey by checking out the apprenticeships available in Chesterfield today.

Need some support? The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) have several platforms that can support careers in construction, along with funding for apprenticeships and work experience. Check out the links below:

Employers can also explore the Into Work grant webpage, which offers financial support to those who offer an initial work experience placement through to employment.

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‘Tis the season for job vacancies! Chesterfield businesses recruiting ahead of the festive period

With the festive season just around the corner, Chesterfield businesses are turning their attention to recruiting new talent ahead of the busy period.

We have put together a guide to help you explore the career opportunities available right here in Chesterfield and know where to search for those festive job vacancies.

Retail and Hospitality

As retail businesses are stocking the shelves ahead of the Christmas shopping boom and hospitality venues putting the finishing touches to the festive menu ready for the Christmas party season, these businesses are looking to hire an extra pair of hands for the busy period.

These roles are the perfect way to gain valuable work experience and enhance your skills. Lucy Bacon, Assistant Marketing Manager of the Casa Hotel Group, demonstrates how working in hospitality helped her gain transferable skills which can be applied to other career opportunities.

Cocina Restaurant (002)

Lucy explained: “I started at Casa Hotel working part-time, alongside my school studies, in the Cocina Restaurant. This gave me a great base of transferable skills to grow on! My journey in Cocina then quickly moved from part-time to full-time, and from Food and Beverage Attendant to Restaurant Supervisor.

After some time developing my food and beverage knowledge further, I began to take interest in the Marketing of our products and services both for the Restaurant and the Hotel as a whole. The Management team here at Casa gave me the opportunity and support to gain my qualification in Marketing as well as move over fully into the Marketing of both Casa and Peak Edge. I am now the proud Assistant Marketing Manager of the Casa Hotel Group and am grateful for the opportunities I have been given whilst working in the Hospitality Industry.”

Browse the job vacancies available at Casa Hotel here and Peake Edge here.

Marks and Spencer’s in Chesterfield are currently advertising some fantastic career options across many roles.

Glow with us M&S

Matt Corker, Store Manager at Chesterfield said: “You could be part of something special. Our brand new M&S store in Chesterfield is coming soon and you could be coming with us.

Whoever you are, whatever your background, build a career to be proud of here – we’re with you all the way.

We’re looking to recruit up to 100 remarkable colleagues to be part of one amazing team. Plus with flexible career options, opportunities to progress and great benefits, including 20% colleague discount, why not take a look and apply today!”

Search the job opportunities available at Marks and Spencer’s Chesterfield here.

You can use the Job Centre Plus service to search for job vacancies in the local area. Give @JCPInStaffDerby a follow on social media as they regularly post the latest vacancies, alternatively, you browse through the listings on their website here.

Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire have a dedicated webpage for job vacancies in the hospitality industry across Derbyshire and the Peak District. Search the current vacancies here.

Chesterfield Market Recruitment Event

Market Recruitment event

Are you searching for work in Chesterfield? Visit the Chesterfield Market Recruitment Event on Wednesday 12th October 10 am – 12 pm, where you can meet employers and find out more about local job vacancies and training schemes that lead to employment.

The drop-in event is open to everyone, with no need to make an appointment.

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

Derbyshire Careers Service will also be attending the event to promote training courses but also advise job seekers on how they can get support with their CV and interview techniques.

Find an Apprenticeship in Chesterfield

Find Your Apprenticeship button

Currently, there are over 100 apprenticeship vacancies available across a variety of sectors and apprenticeships can be a great stepping stone for your career, allowing you to earn and learn on the job.

Tom Fearn, Recruitment Manager at Apprentice Team said: “Gaining employment during the festive period can lead to some exciting opportunities and gives you a chance to kickstart your career within your desired sector.

Apprenticeships are also available within a wide range of sectors. This can be a vital time of year to gain experience that you can use for future employment and interviews. In most cases, workplaces during the festive period are busier than usual which also allows candidates to gain a wide range of skills working in a fast-paced environment.”

Use our search tool to browse the hundreds of apprenticeship vacancies available in and around Chesterfield. You can simply scroll through the vacancies or filter by sector and apprenticeship level to find the right apprenticeship for you. Access the search tool here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/become-an-apprentice-in-chesterfield/

 

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Make Caring Your Career

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

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

Chesterfield Royal Hospital and University of Derby

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

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

Hayley Pickles 873x466

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

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

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

Kirsty Miles 873x466

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

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

Business Administration

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

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

Heathcotes 873x466

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

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

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

One to One Support Services

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

One to One Support Services Apprentice

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

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

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Print Digital Media takes on new apprentice with help of local skills provider GBS Apprenticeships

Print Digital Media has added to it’s growing team by taking on a new apprentice after working with local skills and careers company, GBS Apprenticeships.

Jasmine Mowbray has been working at Print Digital Media for just over a month, and has already been involved in a number of marketing projects at the firm.

Jasmine explained how her first month working with the business has already given her a range of new skills and experience: “I have had a fantastic time in my first month at Print Digital Media. Working for a small company meant I got to meet everyone involved in the business really quickly and all my co-workers are supportive and always happy to help to help, if I’m ever in need of guidance.

“Everything happens in one building, so I have been able to see the full cycle of the service we provide, from design to proof and print. This has enabled me to become more knowledgeable about the business, which has helped a lot in my projects.

“Since starting my role, I have worked on a range of different marketing projects. I’m always doing something different everyday meaning that it never gets repetitive, and it also means I’m able to test and improve my abilities, resulting in a wider set of skills.

“I wish I had chosen this path sooner! It’s a really dynamic way of learning as you are gaining valuable industry experience whilst also obtaining a degree. If you are someone who’s looking to widen their knowledge but struggles with learning in a classroom and long hours of studying, an apprenticeship would be a better option for you!”

Richard Musgrove, Managing Director of Print Digital Media commented on how much of a benefit Jasmine has already had on the company: “It’s been a really difficult two years for many businesses, especially the hospitality sector but projects that have been on hold are now coming through. The investments we made last summer in new printing presses increased our capacity, dramatically speeding up our turnaround times, which has improved our service offering and enabled us to take on additional works.

“Young people are often criticised, a lot of which is unjust in my experience as the majority just need a platform to learn, develop and grow. At PDM we are very proud to be supporting the younger generation that are starting out, whether it’s work experience or apprenticeship programmes and if we can provide development opportunities, to help them personally or professionally that sets them on the right path, then brilliant. We might just be mentoring the next Ben Francis.”

Richard also praise GBS for enabling his company to find the right person for his business: “The whole GBS team were very supportive and the process was incredibly easy. GBS took a detailed brief of our requirements and really tried to understand our culture and how we work to find the best fit, ensuring the candidates would also fit in.

“What really struck me was how considerate and caring GBS were towards the candidates, as it’s a daunting experience coming out of sixth form or college into an interview process, but they were great.

Coral Guard, Marketing Manager at GBS Apprenticeships said: “Everything we do is for the benefit of both learner and employer. We want our employers to bring bright young minds into the business and give them the opportunity to thrive. Apprentices are able to gain brand new skills, while a business can help build on skill gaps and strengthen their business further. Seeing businesses grow and develop further through employing an apprentice is why we do what we do.

“We are always at hand to help a business get started with employing an apprentice. Just pick up the phone or drop us an email and we can have a chat about what your business needs. We help by evaluating what type of apprenticeship will benefit the business, handle all the advertisement and the recruitment process. There are many benefits of hiring an apprentice including:

  • Bridging the skills gap, particularly those within technology as this helps to move a business forward.
  • Having a fresh perspective. Apprentices may not have work experience but they can offer a fresh perspective and new ideas that can help a business grow. Young people tend to have strong technology skills and they can use this knowledge to build a competitive advantage.
  • The cost of an apprenticeship pays for itself. Within a few years, or even sooner, apprentices can improve a company’s bottom line by improving effectivity and boosting productivity.
  • It’s a cost effective way to train staff or hire new staff.
  • GBS are there to support you and your apprentice from start to finish. We want both apprentice and employer to work together to help build one another’s skills and business.

“Overall, apprenticeships are a great way to provide life changing opportunities to young people and a cost effective way for local businesses to develop their workforce and bridge those skill gaps.”

Find out more about apprenticeship opportunities in Chesterfield at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/

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

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