Virtual tours of businesses operating in the town’s engineering and manufacturing sector, will ensure that young people in North Derbyshire continue to learn about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers during the pandemic.
Tours of three Chesterfield businesses – MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar (UCB) and Woodhead Construction – have been produced as part of the 2020 Made in Chesterfield campaign to ensure that young people do not miss out on a STEM workplace experience during the pandemic.
The films feature a tour of the UCB foundry, MSE Hiller’s workshop and laboratory and Chesterfield Borough Council’s new Enterprise Centre which is currently being built by Woodhead Construction.
The first film, featuring UCB, is now available for education providers to download for free and share with students at https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/tours-for-schools/united-cast-bar-virtual-tour/.
Sponsored by Chesterfield College, the annual campaign is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, supported by Chesterfield Borough Council and North Derbyshire Careers Hub.
The campaign was originally launched in 2015 in response to companies in the sector reporting long term recruitment difficulties. Over the last five years, Made in Chesterfield has helped introduce thousands of young people in North East Derbyshire to careers in the STEM sector.
Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group explained:
“Initiatives like Made in Chesterfield are really important to inspire the next generation and illustrate the range of exciting careers available in science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing. It is crucial for employers and educational providers to work together to find new and innovative ways of showcasing the possibilities in these sectors, despite the current restrictions. Learning and development must continue so we can look to the future, which is why virtual tours and interactive sessions to engage young people are so vital.
“Chesterfield College is delighted to be a sponsor of this partnership and we are proud to playing a role in developing the skills of our local experts of the future.”
Pre-Covid-19, as part of the campaign a number of companies in the sector have led and hosted hands-on tours of their sites as well as going into schools to meet students and give talks.
Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield’s board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the Borough, commented: “I am delighted that we are able to take STEM experiences into the classroom. Although we are in the middle of a pandemic it is important that we continue to ensure that young people have access to education, training, jobs and work placements in Chesterfield’s STEM sector. With HS2 on the horizon there is the opportunity for the region to become recognised as an international centre of rail research and innovation but only if we have the skilled workforce to meet investor demand.
“Although virtual this year, I am confident that these videos will be successful in bringing together education providers and businesses to ensure local young talent is aware of the myriad of STEM jobs and careers available here.”
Schools throughout North East Derbyshire are now being encouraged to share the films with students and give them a virtual taste of career opportunities in the STEM sector.
To view the virtual tours, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/tours-for-schools
