Chesterfield learning Archives - Destination Chesterfield

Innovative Construction Skills Hub marks official opening

11th November 2024

An innovative new training facility which will provide skills and training to thousands of young learners has officially opened its doors in Staveley.

On Thursday 7 November Lord Burlington officially opened the Construction Skills Hub – an innovative approach to learning which aims to provide students with the skills they need to access careers in the construction industry whilst also providing them with experience to help secure their first job.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Devonshire Group, Chesterfield College, the University of Derby, Chesterfield Borough Council, and Toby Perkins MP, along with students who have been studying at the Hub.

Funded through the Staveley Town Deal, the project is led by Chesterfield Borough Council, with Devonshire Group providing the land where the Hub is located and Chesterfield College and the University of Derby delivering the education programme.

Lord Burlington said: “During every project we undertake, we always look for opportunities to add value and create a lasting legacy for the communities that we serve. We are therefore delighted to have been able to partner on the Construction Skills Hub on site at our Mastin Moor project. The hub provides ongoing opportunities for education and skills development that we hope will have a positive impact on the local economy for many years to come. We take our role in contributing to the long-term prosperity of our region incredibly seriously and are looking forward to seeing more local people supported through this programme in the months ahead and learning about the projects that they will be involved with in the future.”

The Hub has been operational for the last year with students initially studying at Chesterfield College before moving onto the site in Mastin Moor to gain experience of construction through helping to complete the groundworks and construction of the cabins which will be used as classroom facilities.

In year one 12 students studied at the Hub and another 29 have been recruited to study in year two.

The Hub provides training in site and bench joinery, brickwork, groundworks and electrical installation but in time will offer opportunities in retrofit and green technologies.

Over ten years, the Hub aims to provide careers insights, training and work experience for over 5,000 learners.

Chesterfield College Principal, Julie Richards OBE, said: “Projects such as this are at the core of how we operate. Working directly with key employers, the Skills Hub will support the students to develop the skilled workers required to meet the ever-increasing demand from within the construction industry. Sitting on the Staveley Town Deal Board I know the real impact this project will bring to the local area for years to come. I’m delighted to see our students so enthused, gaining the skills and knowledge on a working site which they need for a successful future career.”

The Construction Skills Hub is a key part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Skills Action Plan and a key project within the Staveley Town Deal programme.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to officially open the Construction Skills Hub as it will help the skills people need to access great careers in our borough. This will not only help improve the local economy it will also have a positive impact on people’s lives as they will have more secure employment with higher wages.

“From talking to learners already at the Hub it was great to hear how this facility is helping them achieve their ambitions and I look forward to welcoming many more students over the coming years.”

The Construction Skills Hub is one of several projects that is being funded through the Staveley Town Deal. After developing a Town Investment Plan, Staveley was awarded £25.2 million to deliver this plan with a funding deadline of March 2026.

Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It is fantastic to see this project in action – providing the opportunity for young people in Staveley to gain the skills they need to access careers is a key part of ensuring our objective that Staveley is a place where everyone can start, stay and grow is achieved. I look forward to hearing how the students get on and seeing them get experience on some of the other key construction projects within the Staveley Town Deal programme.”

To find out more about the Staveley Town Deal and the ten projects being funded visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-and-economic-growth/regeneration-and-economic-growth/staveley-town-deal/

Chesterfield charity set to celebrate 30th anniversary

17th May 2022

A Chesterfield charity which supports children with learning difficulties or disabilities and their families is set to celebrate 30 years of helping young people across the town.

Fairplay was set up in 1992 by a group of parents who wanted accessible activities for their disabled children. The group set up a club where their children could attend during school holidays.

The demand for the group was overwhelming and the group developed into an organisation with paid staff. The organisation has grown ever since, developing youth services as well as children’s and expanding into areas throughout North Derbyshire.

In 2009 Fairplay was successful in receiving funding to build its first centre in Chesterfield. The centre has been purpose built to ensure that all children and young people are able to access the facilities on offer. The centre was officially opened in July 2010 and features an activity hall, outdoor play area, sensory room, kitchen, and changing places toilet.

With the opening of the new centre Fairplay has been able to expand its services and now offers services to young people up to aged 30 as well as a new pre-school parent support group for parents with children under 5. Fairplay continues to grow and develop in response to the needs of local families and currently supports over 400 families across the area.

HR officer, Nikki Lowe commented: “We feel we have made an absolutely amazing achievement in reaching 30 years! The last couple of years have been tough due to the uncertainties faced because of the pandemic but we can say with pride that even through lockdown we have managed to remain open, meaning our much needed services have continued to run for those families in need.

“Fairplay would like to thank all of the individuals and business who, over the last 30 years, have fundraised for us. Every donation really does help make a difference, and allows us to continue with our much needed work and services for children & young people with additional needs or disabilities.

“We would also like to thank all our volunteers for their continued help and support, as we wouldn’t be able to run sessions without them.”

To mark the occasion, the charity will be taking on it’s biggest fundraising effort to date. CEO Heather Fawbert, and HR Officer Nikki Lowe will be taking on the challenge of walking ‘30k in a day’. The 18.5 mile sponsored walk will take place on Friday 19th August around the beautiful spot of Buttermere in the Lake District.

Although Heather and Nikki will be fortunate enough to take in some stunning scenery, this grueling walk will include hiking up and reaching the summit of 7 mountains! They will be tackling: Red Pike, White Pike, Pillar, Hay Stacks, Seat, High Crag and High Stile – they’ll reach a whopping 892metres (that’s 2,927 feet!) elevation at the highest point.

In addition, the team will be involving the young people who attend Fairplay by hosting a sponsored walk around Linacre at the end of June – with the aim of walking 30K in a day as a collective team. The charity is also campaigning to recruit 30 new volunteers and will be holding an information day on Wednesday 1st June. Anyone interested should contact Tom Boden.

Nikki added: “People can support us in many different ways, whether it is volunteering or by donating money. Any donation made for our 30th year fundraising events will be greatly appreciated and goes a long way in supporting our children & young people and continues our valued work in the community.

“If you are a business and would like to sponsor our walk we’d love to hear from you – or even better, we have limited availability to join us on our sponsored walk so why not get involved, put on your hiking boots and take in the views of Buttermere whilst raising money for our charity? All we ask for anyone wanting to join us is that you pledge to raise a minimum of £500 – accommodation is booked and travel to and from the venue can be sorted for you so it’s just a case of contacting us if you are interested.”

You can sponsor the Fairplay staff via the following links:
www.justgiving.com/Nikki-Lowe1
www.justgiving.com/Heather-Fawbert2

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