Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield is once again proud to be working with Derbyshire Adult Community Education Services (DACES), to develop a work experience programme, this time with the support of the centre’s independent retailers.

The programme, put together by Shaun Brown, Centre Manager of Vicar Lane, will see five learners from Shirebrook and Clay Cross working in independent shops, as well as the Centre Management office, at Vicar Lane.

The aim of the programme is to bridge the gap between education and the real world of work, with the learners receiving meaningful interactions with employers.

Qoozies, Shop Indie, Nana B Baby & Childrenswear and Gorilla Garms are all getting involved in the programme.

The work experience programme is scheduled to start in May, with the learners working one day per week across ten weeks. The learners are currently studying a Customer Service qualification, and will be assessed whilst on their placements at the shopping centre.

Vicar Lane’s partnership with DACES began in 2019, and continues to grow, with Shaun Brown also planned to take part in the learners’ upcoming mock interviews, to help them overcome the nerves and build confidence.

Shaun Brown, Centre Manager, Vicar Lane said, “It is such a privilege to once again be working with a team of young people from the Chesterfield community. Previous initiatives produced some really positive results, and we’re really looking forward to having the learners as part of the Vicar Lane team over the next couple of months.

“A big thank you goes out to our wonderful indies, Qoozies, Shop Indie, Nana B Baby & Childrenswear and Gorilla Garms for supporting this programme.”

Find out more about Chesterfield’s diverse high street and retail scene over on our shopping page.

Vicar Lane supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.