Locals to receive guaranteed job interviews at GRIDSERVE
Local people who complete a sector-based work academy will be guaranteed a job interview at GRIDSERVE in Markham Vale, thanks to a local labour clause.
The planning application for the new GRIDSERVE retail forecourt on Enterprise Way, Markham Vale, was approved by Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning committee in October 2025.
As a major development, the scheme is subject to a local labour clause, designed to help create skills and employment opportunities for local residents.
The new forecourt, which is due to open in May, will create ten new jobs.
As part of the skills and employment plan secured through the planning condition, Chesterfield Borough Council is working in partnership with GRIDSERVE, DWP and Chesterfield College to deliver a sector-based work academy. The programme will begin on 13 April, supporting 20 participants over two weeks, with job interviews offered to those who successfully complete the training.
An information event will take place on 1 April at the Environment Centre, Markham Vale. Sessions will run from 10am to 12 noon and 1pm to 3pm, providing details about job opportunities at the new GRIDSERVE forecourt.
Attendees will also be able to find out more about the sector-based work academy, a short training programme delivered in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and Chesterfield College. The initiative is designed to support unemployed people, or those looking to move into retail, to secure roles at the new site.
Participants who complete the programme will gain a Level 1 award in work-related studies for the customer service sector, alongside a Level 1 award in occupational studies for the workplace. The new roles will be based at the GRIDSERVE retail forecourt, supporting customers using the electric vehicle charging facilities on site.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership, said:
“As a council we are committed to ensuring that local people have job opportunities and that local talent is recognised and celebrated. Securing 20 job interviews for those who have completed the short training programme is good news, thanks to the local labour clause.
“By working in partnership with organisations like GRIDSERVE, Job Centre Plus and Chesterfield College we can help local people develop the skills to access new opportunities and find new jobs in the local area.”
BillieLeigh Beaumont, Empowering Futures Project Manager, Chesterfield College, said:
“On behalf of Chesterfield College, we are absolutely delighted to support local residents in accessing new and exciting opportunities with employers in our community. Creating these connections not only helps individuals empower their careers but also strengthens our local economy and builds a more sustainable future for everyone involved.”
Ross Watson, General Manager at the Markham Vale Electric Forecourt, said:
“GRIDSERVE is incredibly proud to be working with Chesterfield Borough Council, Job Centre Plus and Chesterfield College to support local recruitment for the Markham Vale Electric Forecourt. This flagship development represents not only a major step forward in delivering world-leading electric vehicle charging infrastructure for cars, vans and trucks, but also a meaningful investment in the local community.
“We are passionate about creating high-quality job opportunities for local residents, and this recruitment initiative is a fantastic way to connect people with roles in what is a dynamic and growing industry. From supporting drivers on their EV journeys to delivering great experiences within our on-site retail facilities, including Costa Coffee, these customer-facing roles will play a vital part in the success of our latest flagship EV charging station.”
For more information on GRIDSERVE and other local developments, visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/
