Chesterfield Skills

Government backing for Chesterfield apprentice barber academy

A new apprentice barber academy has opened in Chesterfield, providing a hands-on learning option for young people in our area.

The government-backed scheme will be based at Less Than Zero, an award-winning barber shop based in the town centre.

The unique 13 month training program is designed to deliver a comprehensive education in the art and business of barbering at NVQ Level 2 and Level 3.

With an emphasis on hands-on experience and industry readiness, the Apprentice Barber Academy at Less Than Zero provides in-depth training to aspiring barbers looking to build sustainable and successful careers. The curriculum is crafted
to cover every aspect of barbering, from mastering classic and contemporary techniques to understanding customer service, personal branding, and business fundamentals.

“We’re dedicated to creating opportunities for the next generation of barbers and setting new standards in barbering education,” said Martin Wallis-Keyworth, Owner. “With this academy, we’re committed to giving our apprentices the skills,
knowledge, and real-world experience they need to become not only expert barbers but also confident professionals.

The program is structured to allow apprentices to progress at their own pace, with individualised mentoring provided by skilled instructors from Less Than Zero’s talented team.

Apprentices will gain invaluable experience through client interactions and on-the-floor practice, preparing them thoroughly for a career in barbering.

Enrolment is now open, and prospective apprentices and employers are encouraged to contact the Academy via the Less Than Zero Barbers website. Spaces are limited to ensure personalised instruction, allowing each apprentice to receive
focused guidance and mentorship throughout their training journey.

For more information, visit www.lessthanzerobarbers.com or contact martin@ltzbarbers.com

Looking for support to upskill your team? Go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/

Are you considering working in Chesterfield? There are many benefits to working in our innovative town, such as the central location and transportation links. Not forgetting the modern offices and workplaces within the town and surrounding areas. Discover more about working in Chesterfield here.

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Innovative Construction Skills Hub marks official opening

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/

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Apprenticeship events aim to help young people discover career pathways

A series of three events aim to help young people and their and parents and carers learn more about apprenticeships and the options available to them after completing school.

After a successful first year there will be three more Apprenticeship and Technical Education Information Events held in venues around Chesterfield between October 2024 and May 2025.

All three events include information around construction, manufacturing and engineering and health and social care sectors. They will include a question-and-answer panel and the opportunity to speak with Young Apprentice ambassadors to gain a full understanding of different opportunities within these sectors once completing formal education.

The events are organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, the East Midlands Combined County Authority Careers Hub and Workpays.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth said: “We saw lots of young people and their parents come along to these events last year because they provide a fantastic opportunity to find out more about apprenticeships. This information allows young people to make informed decisions about their future and reassures parents about the opportunities available to their child.

“Working in partnership with East Midlands Combined County Authority Careers Hub, the ASK programme and local businesses is crucial to ensuring that the information provided at the event is relevant to people in Chesterfield and can help create a pipeline of talented school leavers that can help local businesses to grow.”

There will be three events held over the next year. The first will be held at Staveley Miner’s Welfare Football Club from 6pm to 7.15pm on Wednesday 23 October, the next event will be at Hasland Village Hall on 26 February 2025 and the final event will be held at the SMH Group Stadium on 21 May 2025.

Will Morlidge, Interim Executive Director of Inclusive Growth at East Midlands Combined County Authority, said: “Apprenticeships are a great way for many young people – and older workers – to better understand not only what businesses are looking for, but also to understand their own motivations and strengths. That empowers learners to make smart choices about their future career, and we know that being in the learning environment or job that is right for an individual hugely increases the likelihood of completing the learning or sticking with an employer. It’s vital that we keep getting the message out to learners and employers an apprenticeship can be a smart move for the learner and an excellent value for money investment for a business.”

Tina Patel, from the ASK programme, said: “After the successful events from last year, these   events will provide information and guidance on how to look for the opportunities available in construction, manufacturing, and health sectors. I am looking forward to meeting you all at these events, to support parents and young people to look at all the opportunities available and to answer any questions. We have an ASK ambassador who will be attending, who can support with searching for local vacancies and provide resources.”

All three events for the next year have been listed on the Chesterfield Borough Council website.

Careers event at Staveley MWFC

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New initiative to boost skills in Chesterfield’s manufacturing sector

A new programme aims to help businesses in the manufacturing and engineering sector upskill their staff and bring new people into the sector.

Manufacturing Futures is a new STEM skills programme that will help increase capacity to support more work-based learning programmes including T-levels, apprenticeships, work experience and internships to ensure there is a future pipeline of talent to work in the sector.

Funded by Chesterfield Borough Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund the programme will lead to the creation of new classroom facilities at local business United Cast Bar and will provide mentoring to around 30 people already employed in the sector.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for economic development, said: “Chesterfield has a proud tradition of engineering and manufacturing, but we need to ensure this sector can continue to grow and provide new opportunities for our residents. I’m pleased that we have been able to fund this programme as it will help people advance their careers and support our residents to take up roles in this sector in the future.

“Working in partnership with businesses and education providers is key to ensuring this programme is effective and provides the support the sector needs.”

Chesterfield College has been appointed to deliver the training elements included within the programme.

James Lund, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Business Growth at Chesterfield College Group, said: “Chesterfield College are really excited to be involved in the delivery of this project in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Manufacturing Forum and United Cast Bar UK Limited. This will be a real catalyst to increasing the engagement with young people in the local area, to support the future staffing needs of the manufacturing sector. It will create a positive legacy that can be built on for many years to come.”

The programme has been introduced following discussions with the Chesterfield Manufacturing Forum which is co-ordinated by Destination Chesterfield and as well as technical training it will include practical sessions with local employers.

James Brand, Managing Director (Foundries) at United Cast Bar and Chair of the Chesterfield Manufacturing Forum, said: “We are really excited to be able to put this facility in place. It will give us the perfect location to provide upskilling to both our workforce and other businesses in the Manufacturing community.

“The space will also provide a place of learning for T Level and apprenticeship qualifications, allowing UCB to work even more closely with the College and local schools is fantastic.”

The programme is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is one of several skills programmes to receive funding which will help ensure local residents can advance their career and that the local economy can grow.

This is just one of a range of projects and initiatives which is being funded through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6 million from the Government. It will fund initiatives, until 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

Weightron weighbridge manufacturing - sparks flying as employee welds metal

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Project provides career inspiration for Chesterfield young people

A new project has provided career insights and work experience for young people in Chesterfield.

The Careers Made in Chesterfield (CMiC) programme has had a successful first year, hosting eight workshops for 275 young people and providing work experience placements for almost 30 students.

It provides students with insights about local career opportunities and aims to create a pipeline of talent to support local businesses. In its first year, the programme has focussed on the property and construction sector but will expand to include the health and wellbeing sector and manufacturing sector over the next three years.

Industry experts have hosted interactive workshops at Ashgate Croft School, Parkside School, Springwell Community College, Netherthorpe School and the Chesterfield YES Youth Hub. As a result of these workshops, students have reported an increased interest in pursuing careers in the construction industry.

The project has been funded by Chesterfield Borough Council as part of its Skills Action Plan and delivered in schools by Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP).

On Tuesday 2 June Gateway 1 students from Ashgate Croft School were visited by G F Tomlinson where they played ‘guess my job’ with three volunteers – Gemma Thorpe, Senior Bid and Marketing Coordinator; Dave Miller, Site Manager; and Olivia Brindley, Assistant Quantity Surveyor – to learn about the varied roles within the construction sector.

In preparation for a site visit, students were also shown the refurbishment plans for Stephenson Memorial Hall, home to Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre, which is currently being refurbished by G F Tomlinson on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council.

The students then took on the challenge to come up with their own designs for a cafe, shop, or entire museum using K’Nex construction kits.

Stuart Rooker, Careers Lead at DEBP said: “Collaboration between businesses and schools is crucial to CMiC. It is a fantastic way for employers to engage directly with students and inform them about their business and industry. It also provides the young people involved with the opportunity to learn about the skills they need, which employers value, and the options available to them.”

On Thursday 18 June, the students were given a tour of the construction site. After a health and safety talk from Jack Harvey, Technical Apprentice and putting on the appropriate PPE, Jason Tromans, Site Manager for G F Tomlinson, led a fantastic tour of the building. This included how key parts of the building are being restored and the interesting things that have been found on-site such as old newspapers and messages on the walls. Students were able to see a variety of construction trades at work, including roofers, joiners, ground workers, and scaffolders.

Vicky Bridge, Gateway 1 Teacher from Ashgate Croft School said: “The students thought both the workshop and visit were really interesting. It was a great experience for them to learn all about the company and the trade, and then see it in person and in action. This fits well with our employability lesson where we look at different jobs and types of employment.”

In total 14 employers have supported the CMiC programme including, Stepnell, Fortem, Devonshire Group, Henry Boot, Elliot Mather LLP, Whittam Cox Architects, Turner and Townsend, Castle Owen, Clee Hill, Shelby Group, Frank Shaw Associates and Chesterfield College.

CMiC is a key part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Skills Action Plan which aims to ensure that local people have the right skills to support career progression and benefit from future employment opportunities.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and cabinet member for economic growth, said: “CMiC has made a great impact in its first year, it’s helped provide young people with the information they need to make informed decisions about their future and by working with employers we can ensure that skills provision in the borough meets their future needs. I look forward to seeing how this programme progresses in future years and hearing from young people about how it has helped them.

If you’re a local business, I would encourage you to get involved in the scheme because it will help guide young people to work in industry and even your business.”

As well as construction and property, the programme will expand over the next four years to include health and social care, and engineering and manufacturing and businesses in these sectors are encouraged to get in touch to volunteer for the scheme.

If you are an employer and would like to get involved in CMiC please email enquiries@debp.org.

Looking for support to improve skills and recruitment in your business? Head over to our business support page to find out more.

DEBP and Chesterfield Borough Council support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Students wearing high viz clothing

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Chesterfield barbers named in the UK’s best apprentice employers for 3rd consecutive year

A barber shop in Chesterfield town centre has been recognised nationally as one of the best apprentice employers, for the 3rd year in a row.

Less Than Zero Barbers, established in Chesterfield in 2017 has been named in the Institute For Apprenticeships Top 50 SME employer list for the company’s commitment to its team.

The list, which was announced on 25th July 2024, celebrates England’s outstanding small & medium-sized apprenticeship employers, recognising their commitment to creating new apprenticeships, the diversity of their apprentices, and the number of apprentices who successfully achieve their apprenticeships.

The rankings are produced annually by the Department for Education, in partnership with High Fliers Research, who independently assess and rank the nation’s top apprenticeship employers

Martin Wallis-Keyworth the owner of Less Than Zero said: “We have always taken the formal training of new and existing staff extremely important and have always ensured people not only grow in the barbering skills but also in other skills such as training, assessing and teaching and have all those skills in the business to NVQ L5.”

Investing in people is obviously having a positive effect on the business as it’s grown year on year since its formation and is consistently scored on social media at a 4.9/5 which is always a good sign especially when you consider the amount of reviews the business has.

Martin went on to say: “Moving forward we have formulated a strategy and business plan to expand the business further and this will be achieved by leveraging the amazing team we have and their new skill set and also will help us grow a larger talent pool to help in that expansion. We would be unable to this if it hadn’t been for the training and development of the team.”

Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive National Hair and Beauty Federation added: “It’s fantastic to see one of our NHBF members being recognised in the Top 50 SME Employer list for the third consecutive year. Having previously worked alongside Martin Wallis-Keyworth in the trailblazer groups for the Barbering apprenticeship, I have firsthand experience of his commitment to excellence and professional development.

“Less Than Zero Barbers’ consistent appearance on this prestigious list is a testament to their unwavering dedication to team growth and the barbering profession as a whole. Their approach to investing in their staff’s skills, not just in barbering but also in training, assessing, and teaching, sets a remarkable example for our industry.

“Martin’s strategy of leveraging his team’s expanded skill set for business growth is exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach we champion at NHBF. It’s clear that their investment in people is paying dividends, as evidenced by their year-on-year growth and outstanding customer satisfaction ratings.

“We’re proud to have businesses like Less Than Zero Barbers as part of our membership. They exemplify the values of continuous improvement and staff development that are crucial for the future of our industry. We look forward to seeing their continued success and the positive impact they’ll undoubtedly have on the barbering profession as they expand.”

Nick Hogan, Destination Chesterfield Board Member said: “A big congratulations to Less Than Zero for gaining this recognition once again. We know that businesses across our town are playing a key role in supporting our young people to gain key skills which set them up for a rewarding career. Ensuring we have high level skills in our workforce is vital to the economy, so it is pleasing that the work being done by a local business has been highlighted at a national level.”

Looking for support to upskill your workforce, or to take on and develop an apprentice? Find out more on our business support pages here.

LessThanZero1

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Chesterfield celebrates skills partnership

An innovative partnership which is helping local people access workplace skills and training has marked its one-year milestone.

The Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership brings together representatives from the business community, education providers and public sector, to develop programmes and initiatives that aim to help local residents improve their skills to access new opportunities, which will help the local economy to grow.

The partnership has had a busy first year – launching five new skills programmes, established a skills brokerage service, hosted almost 20 events, and created a new initiative that has helped more than 200 young people to make more informed decisions about their future.

Michael Timmins, a director at AECOM and chair of the Skills and Employment Partnership, said: “It has been an incredibly busy first year and we’ve launched lots of new initiatives and programmes that will help ensure everyone can develop the skills that local businesses need to grow. By working in partnership with the public sector, it has helped ensure that support can be provided to solve the challenges faced by businesses and I look forward to seeing how this partnership develops, and to launching more programmes that will help local people access skills training.”

The Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership is a key element of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Skills Action Plan. Launched in 2023, it sets out a variety of partnership initiatives – working with local agencies and businesses – to help bridge the skills gap.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of the Skills and Employment Partnership, said: “We want to ensure that everyone can benefit from a growing local economy and through working in partnership with businesses and the community sector we can help local people develop the skills to progress in their careers or access new opportunities as they become available.

“Over the last year we have launched lots of new programmes with the business, education, and voluntary sector, I would like to encourage local residents to look into these opportunities and take full advantage of them because they can help progress their career and build a better life in our borough.”

The Skills Action Plan runs until 2027. It is just one of a range of projects and initiatives which is being funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), after the council was successful in securing £2.6m from the Government. It will fund initiatives, until 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

More information about the Skills Action Plan and how people can access the support available can be found by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/jobs-training-skills-and-apprenticeships/

Chesterfield skills partnership

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Chesterfield manufacturers encouraged to inspire future talent as businesses celebrate 10 years of innovative scheme

Businesses are gearing up to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the renowned Made in Chesterfield initiative, which brings together schools and local firms to close skills gaps in the town.

Designed to spark interest in manufacturing, engineering, and construction careers among young people, the campaign offers a unique opportunity for businesses in those key sectors to inspire the future workforce.

Destination Chesterfield is seeking companies to participate in this year’s Made in Chesterfield scheme. By engaging with school pupils, your business can offer firsthand insights into the exciting career paths within these crucial sectors.

Celebrating a decade of partnership and collaboration, the Made in Chesterfield campaign will run throughout October 2024.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership, and supported by Chesterfield College Group, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire North Careers Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, and NatWest, the campaign has a proven track record of success.

Since 2014, over 3,500 students have explored career opportunities in the area’s manufacturing, engineering, and construction sectors.

Chesterfield College Group, the project’s headline sponsor, has witnessed a surge in students enrolling in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) subjects, underscoring the campaign’s significant impact.

Julie Richards OBE, CEO of Chesterfield College Group, shared: “Supporting Made in Chesterfield aligns with our mission to connect students with employers, providing inspiration and creating opportunities for successful careers. Our Engineering, Manufacturing, and Science Centre and involvement in the town’s new Construction Skills Hub highlight our dedication to providing the best career opportunities for young people in engineering and construction.”

Ivan Fomin, Director at MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield Board Member, emphasised the importance of the initiative: “With an ageing workforce creating a skills gap in manufacturing, it’s crucial to cultivate new talent. These tours and interactions give young people invaluable insights into the promising careers in STEM fields.”

Clare Talati, CEO of Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP), added: “We are thrilled to continue supporting Made in Chesterfield, facilitating connections between employers and young people. This initiative provides meaningful experiences, raising awareness of local opportunities and helping employers meet potential future employees.”

Don’t miss this chance to contribute to Chesterfield’s future. Learn more about how your business can get involved with Made in Chesterfield by visiting https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/ or contacting Direct Education Business Partnership at madeinchesterfieldvisits@debp.org.

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Chesterfield College to host new digital skills courses for local people

A new training course is being launched by Chesterfield College to ensure more young people in the town are equipped with digital skills for the workplace.

The online course will enable people in the area to learn essential skills for the workplace through online learning via Microsoft Teams, helping to improve job prospects and skill levels across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

With new courses starting on 29th April, 24th June, 19th August and 14th October, there is plenty of opportunity for people to upskill for their dream job, gain the confidence to launch an apprenticeship, or take the next step in their education.

The Level 1 course is free to most learners, dependent on personal circumstances or income. Over the six weeks, the College will empower learners with the skills needed to make those first steps – creative and digital skills that are essential and in high demand in today’s workplace.

Learners will even be shown how to use cutting edge skills on social media, such as TikTok and Instagram, harnessing their business potential.

James Dietsch, Lecturer & Digital Innovation Coordinator at Chesterfield College’s Department of Digital, commented: “The Level 1 Digital Course is a great program that can benefit the local community of Chesterfield in many ways. If you are returning to education and want to retrain in an exciting industry or top up existing skills.

“Expect to learn a variety of different skills from creativity in digital to enhancing workplace power skills such as teamwork. problem-solving and communication.

“As well as developing an effective progression plan with setting goals for the next milestone. The course helps power learners and can bring useful digital first skills to local businesses.”

To find out more about the course and register your place, go to the Chesterfield College website.

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.

Front of white main Chesterfield College reception building, glass windows and hint of green around the doors

Chesterfield College, Infirmary Road, Chesterfield

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Chamber welcomes new government support for apprenticeships

Small businesses (SMEs) in Chesterfield and the East Midlands region could get a surge in under 21s taking up apprenticeships, thanks to new government funding announced recently.

The Prime Minister has outlined plans to enable up to 20,000 more apprenticeships with a number of reforms. The government says it will pay the full cost of apprenticeships for people aged 21 or under at small firms from 1 April, and is pledging £60m of new investment for next year.

The government says this will reduce costs and burdens for businesses and deliver more opportunities for young people to kick start their careers. It also says the reforms will remove the need for small employers to meet some of the cost of training, whilst saving time and costs for providers like further education colleges who currently need to source funding separately from the government and businesses.

East Midlands Chamber Head of Employment Services Paul Needham said: “We know the value apprenticeships have on young people, in giving them real skills from a busy workplace and experiencing the challenges a business faces in a real world situation each day. For too long cost has been a barrier for many would-be apprentices and SMEs.

“For opportunities to be opened in this way is something I very much welcome. We work with a number of apprenticeship providers and see success after success when people achieve their goals; often they gain skills they had never envisaged. Businesses really see the benefit too as the enthusiasm to learn translates to good work so they’re a win-win. The more we can help young people get into work and develop the skills SMEs need will have a positive effect on the wider economy in the East Midlands.”

Is your business looking to upskill or recruit? Find out more about the benefits of taking on an apprentice and inspiring the next generation at: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships/hiring-an-apprentice/

Want to receive regular skills updates? Sign up for our skills and employability newsletter to be informed of the latest news, events, initiatives and showcases taking place in the local community: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/skills-and-employability-newsletter-signup/.

Apprentice welder and mentor at a local manufacturing business in Chesterfield

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New skills programmes launched to help get people back into work and advance their careers

Companies in Chesterfield will be able to benefit from a number of upskilling programmes, which will help to boost their organisations and reduce skills gaps.

A range of new skills programmes that aim to help people living in Chesterfield get back into work, access new career opportunities and boost their skills in their current roles are being launched by Chesterfield Borough Council and delivered by partners including Workpays, DBC Training and Workers Education Association.

The range of courses includes programmes that businesses can sign up for but also courses that people who are currently out of work can individually sign up for.

For individuals looking to develop skills to progress towards and into work, Workpays are offering a work readiness and digital inclusion programme from the 1 April to be delivered from a variety of community settings.

Businesses in the borough will be able to benefit from a number of upskilling programmes provided by DBC Training, including a range of Microsoft short courses that will address workplace digital skills gaps and increase productivity.

Specialist care training provider, Workers Education Association will be providing fully funded digital skills training to support people working in the care sector progress their careers.

Funding for the programmes has been provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader and cabinet member for economic growth, said: “These are targeted programmes that will help ensure our residents can get the skills they need to access career opportunities and progress in our borough. These programmes form a key part of our skills action plan, which seeks to ensure that everyone can benefit from a growing local economy.

“As part of our skills action plan we work closely with businesses and these programmes aim to provide the skills they need to grow. I’d encourage local business owners to see if these programmes are suitable for them and get in touch as soon as possible to sign up.

“However, we’ve ensured that there is support available for everyone and our work readiness and digital inclusion programme will be run in the community and residents who are seeking employment will be able to sign up directly for these or sign up through their work coach.”

Workpays will be running a work readiness and digital inclusion programme. This will be hosted in community venues across the borough and will help people to develop employability and basic skills that will help them to join the workforce. They will also provide some basic digital skills and access to ICT equipment.

Workers Education Association will be working in care sector businesses to provide their employees with the digital skills they need to progress in the sector.

DBC Training will be providing a digital upskilling programme for businesses. This will allow employees to work through a range of digital courses designed to help them improve their skills, increase productivity and advance their careers.

Further training programmes focussed on green and digital skills for businesses and science, technology, engineering and mathematics will be launched later this year.

The new skills programmes are just one of a range of projects and initiatives which is being funded through the UKSPF, after the council was successful in securing £2.6 million from the Government. It will fund initiatives, until 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

Want to receive regular skills updates? Sign up for our skills and employability newsletter to be informed of the latest news, events, initiatives and showcases taking place in the local community: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/skills-and-employability-newsletter-signup/.

Workpays and DBC Training support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Nibe business

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