Chesterfield employers say apprenticeships are critical to growth and competitiveness
Businesses across Chesterfield say apprenticeships are no longer “nice to have”, but essential to business sustainability, knowledge transfer and future competitiveness.
That was the message shared during a recent roundtable hosted by Destination Chesterfield at Chesterfield College.
Employers from construction, engineering, manufacturing, landscaping, planning, and public services discussed how apprenticeships have become central to their growth strategies and warned that unless young people receive adequate support and training, future workforces are at risk.
For engineering firm MSE Hiller, apprenticeships are embedded in long-term growth planning. Ros Fomin explained that the company aims to recruit two apprentices a year to support knowledge transfer and ensure continuity as experienced engineers retire.
Landscaping specialist NT Killingley expressed a similar commitment. “We’ve essentially been doing apprenticeships for 52 years,” said Gareth Dillon, Managing Director. “38% of my staff started knowing nothing and are now working at every level of the business. Without young people coming in, our business would have folded decades ago.”
Phil Dalton, Owner of Dalton Roofing, added that apprenticeships have enabled the company to grow sustainably over 36 years, with most of the team progressing through the business from entry level.
Chesterfield Borough Council also highlighted apprenticeships as a key workforce strategy. Emily Williams, Skills Delivery Manager, said: “It enables us to build a sustainable and diverse workforce. We’ve got apprentices across all service areas.”
Employers praised the fresh thinking apprentices bring. Jay Walters, Customer Care Manager at Paragon Products, shared the example of a 17-year-old Business Improvement and AI apprentice who rebuilt a critical customer service tracking system. “You can’t buy that enthusiasm, that knowledge at such a young age,” he said.
Apprentices from MSE Hiller and Dalton Roofing spoke about the value of hands-on mentoring. Niall Dalton, apprentice at Dalton Roofing, said: “It’s good to look at everyone around you. Our site manager is skilled in his craft, and I spend a lot of time with him, learning everything he knows.”
William Thomas, Workshop Manager at MSE Hiller, described how supporting an apprentice has helped him build confidence and early leadership skills. He said: “I’m guiding a new apprentice through his first job; and he views problems completely differently from me. I found a lot of personal growth in terms of junior leadership.”
Chesterfield College, the University of Derby and East Midlands Chamber noted that post 2017 apprenticeship reforms have strengthened employer involvement. “It’s allowed employers to help co-develop apprenticeships,” said Peter Lawrence, Senior Business Advisor of East Midlands Chamber. “That makes a difference to retention and progression.”
The message from Chesterfield businesses this National Apprenticeship Week is clear: apprenticeships are essential for developing talent, driving competitiveness and supporting the local economy.
For more information on apprenticeships in Chesterfield, visit the Apprentice Town website. This includes support for employers and apprenticeship vacancies.
Apprentice Town is delivered by the Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership in association with Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield.
