Employer Forum helps young people with SEND take steps towards future careers
Last month, 12 young people on the Chesterfield Royal Hospital Supported Internship programme welcomed local employers for an inspiring Employer Forum, hosted at Chesterfield Town Hall.
The Supported Internship is delivered through a partnership between Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Derbyshire Adult Community Education Services (DACES), DFN Project SEARCH and Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP). It supports young people with SEND to gain meaningful, hands-on experience within hospital job roles and build valuable transferable skills. The Employer Forum supported this by strengthening their understanding of local career pathways and helping them move closer to employment.
The Employer Forum featured a series of engaging 10-minute talks from a range of local organisations and Chesterfield Champions, including Chesterfield Royal Hospital, DEBP, Willmott Dixon, Utility Warehouse, and DACES. These sessions allowed interns to learn more about employers in the area and explore a variety of job roles, while also gaining insight into the personal journeys of professionals working across the region and the skills and experience they have developed.
The forum also included interactive speed-networking style carousel sessions, giving interns the chance to practise conversation skills, ask questions, and speak with employers in small groups about their strengths and aspirations, as well as discovering potential job opportunities and pathways into work.
Kelsey Gill, DEBP Lead Job Coach at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, said:
“We are keen to strengthen connections between young people with disabilities and the local business community. The forum helped broaden learners’ understanding of local job markets and develop their confidence to apply for jobs and attend interviews. It also provided a fantastic opportunity for employers to meet potential future employees.”
To find out more about skills, training, and career opportunities in Chesterfield, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/about-chesterfield/learning
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/
Chesterfield Royal Hospital, DEBP and Willmott Dixon are three of over 200 Chesterfield organisations that are proud to support the local economy, working closely with Destination Chesterfield to showcase Chesterfield and North Derbyshire as a destination to live, work, visit and invest.
Find out more about our Champions network
