Young talent key to tackling recruitment challenges, says Chesterfield Skills Conference
Young people showed this week that they are ready to support business growth, as learners and apprentices from Chesterfield College delivered powerful, first-hand accounts at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference. The event gave employers a compelling glimpse of strong local talent, at a time when six in ten East Midlands firms say they have difficulty finding suitable candidates.
Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber and Chair of Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership, said:
“Our latest research shows that recruitment challenges remain one of the biggest barriers to growth for businesses across the region. Employers are telling us they urgently need people with the right skills, motivation and attitude. What we’ve seen here today in Chesterfield is a strong pipeline of young talent who are ready to step up and make a real difference.”
Held on Thursday, 12 February at Chesterfield College, the conference marked its 10th anniversary by championing the future workforce and demonstrating how young people can help address the skills shortages affecting businesses across the region.
Young people demonstrate talent in action
Students played central roles throughout the event, taking responsibility for photography, videography, presenting, catering and facilitating roundtable discussions – offering employers a live demonstration of their professionalism and skills.
Level two business studies students helped to choreograph two feature sessions. Level three media students produced the opening image montage, captured photography and video throughout the day and created a highlights reel. Catering students provided breakfast and coffee for delegates, and work-based learning students supported the roundtable discussions and contributed to the Nurturing Future Talent video featured during the programme.
These contributions highlighted a motivated generation ready to learn, grow and enter the workforce with confidence.
Interactive roundtable discussions brought students together with employers, educators and industry experts to explore workforce needs and skills and occupational shortages. Delegates highlighted ongoing demand for digital, engineering, business and construction talent – areas represented strongly by students at Chesterfield College.
This direct engagement helped employers better understand the expectations, motivations and capabilities of the next generation.
Insights on training, funding and new opportunities
Speakers including Matt Russell, Director of Strategy, Reform and Insight at the East Midlands Combined County Authority, Matt shared updates on the region’s integrated skills strategy and new opportunities for employers. These include support for apprentices under 25 and new short technical courses launching later in 2026. Matt said:
“Conversations at the conference showed just how much talent is emerging across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. When we connect this talent with the right opportunities, support and training, we create a truly powerful skills ecosystem. Investing in young, ambitious people is key to strengthening our region’s talent pipeline and ensuring long-term economic growth. Together, we’ll shape a future where opportunity is accessible, and potential is realised.”
Investing in skills for economic growth
Julie Richards, Principal of Chesterfield College, spoke proudly about the student contribution. Julie said:
“Our students are nothing short of exceptional. They didn’t just participate in the conference – they led, they contributed and they showed the region exactly what our town is capable of.
“I’m incredibly proud our what our young people achieved today, and grateful to the employers who took the time to listen, engage and encourage them. When education, industry and local partners come together, Chesterfield’s young people truly shine.”
During the conference, delegates took a tour of the new Advanced Manufacturing and Life Sciences Centre at Chesterfield College, home to cutting-edge facilities designed to train the next generation of engineers, technicians and life sciences professionals.
The innovative learning space at Chesterfield College is one of several that are shaping the town’s future growth, said Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield. Councillor Gilby said:
“As well as the new Advanced Manufacturing and Life Sciences Centre, we have the rail innovation and training centre (DRIIVe) at Barrow Hill, the Construction Skills Hub at Mastin Moor, and the fantastic work being done by the University of Derby to bolster our provision in nursing. Together, these centres are giving our residents clear pathways into high-quality careers right here in the town.
“But it’s not just about buildings – our future workforce are at the centre of all decisions, and partners come together through the Chesterfield Skills Partnership Board to do everything we can to help our young people step confidently into work. This could be advice about apprenticeships and traineeships or opportunities to meet our employers – the conference being just one of many chances to do this. We are confident that Chesterfield has the talent required for growth and urge businesses to get in touch and make the most of the recruitment and skills advice and funding available.”
Chesterfield businesses of all sizes can access skills advice by emailing: info@chesterfield.co.uk or visiting www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support/skills/
The Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership was delivered by the Chesterfield & North Derbyshire Employability & Skills Conference in association with Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield.
