Chesterfield students join local manufacturers to celebrate National Manufacturing Day
Over 70 students from six local schools worked with six of Chesterfield’s leading manufacturers to take part in National Manufacturing Day on 24th September 2026 to gain a unique insight into the world of manufacturing, as part of the borough’s Made in Chesterfield initiative.
Made in Chesterfield brings together manufacturers, education providers and partners to celebrate the strength, innovation and growth of the local manufacturing sector while inspiring the next generation of talent.
Coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and delivered in partnership with headline partner Chesterfield College, alongside a network of employers, education providers and public sector partners, the campaign highlights the borough as a leading location for manufacturing, while creating meaningful links between businesses and future employees.
Delivery partners include Barrow Hill Roundhouse, CBE+, Chesterfield Borough Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, Tupton Hall School, United Cast Bar, Weightron Bilanciai and the Work-wise Foundation.
Students from Parkside Community School, Brookfield Community School, Whittington Green School, Tupton Hall School, The Bolsover School and Aston Academy visited United Cast Bar, Brampton Brewery, Penny Engineering, Heraeus Electro-Nite (UK) Ltd, NIBE Energy Systems Limited and Weightron Bilanciai Ltd.
The National Manufacturing Day event involved students visiting local manufacturers, undertaking factory tours and completing an employer-led Innovation Challenge in the morning, allowing students to work directly with local businesses on real-world projects to develop practical skills and gain valuable insight into modern manufacturing. In the afternoon, students presented their ideas for the Innovation Challenge at the new DRIIVe (Derbyshire
Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle) training and innovation centre located next to the Barrow Hill Roundhouse, alongside other schools and participating business. Students from Chesterfield College conducted the judging and Labour MP for Chesterfield, Toby Perkins MP presented the students with a certificate and prize.
The event gave students a unique insight into a range of manufacturing processes, while also developing their understanding of key areas including engineering, design and project management. Students also had a tour of the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse, which is the last surviving railway roundhouse in the UK with an operational turntable and a tour of the new DRIIVe (Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle) innovation centre.
Nick Catt, Managing Director at Weightron Bilanciai Ltd and Destination Chesterfield Board Member, said:
“National Manufacturing Day provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the exciting career opportunities available within modern manufacturing.
We are delighted to be working with the students at Whittington Green School and helping them gain a greater understanding of the skills, innovation and technology that drive our industry.
As a business committed to investing in the future, we believe it is important to inspire young people and demonstrate the wide range of careers available within engineering and manufacturing. We hope that by opening our doors and sharing our expertise, we can encourage some of these students to consider a future within our sector.”
Make UK’s National Manufacturing Day celebrates the diversity of UK manufacturing and helps strengthen connections between education and industry, supporting the development of the skilled workforce needed for the future.
Julie Richards OBE, Principal and CEO of Chesterfield College Group and Destination Chesterfield Board Member said:
“Connecting young people with local employers is vital in helping them understand the range of rewarding careers available on their doorstep.
National Manufacturing Day gives students the opportunity to experience modern manufacturing environments first-hand, meet employers and work on real-world challenges, helping them gain a better understanding of the skills and opportunities available within the sector.
We are delighted to support Made in Chesterfield and play our part in inspiring the next generation of talent while strengthening the links between education and industry.”
Cllr Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and Vice Chair of Destination Chesterfield said:
“We want every young person in Chesterfield to have the opportunity to achieve their ambitions and build a successful career.
By bringing students together with some of our leading manufacturers, this was a fantastic chance for them to see first-hand the breadth of careers available in this innovative sector which plays a key role in our local economy.
Supporting initiatives like this is a key part of the Chesterfield Skills Action Plan – delivered by a strong partnership which is helping young people develop their aspirations while strengthening the future workforce for local businesses.
We were also delighted to host part of the day at the new DRIIVe Innovation Centre, which is a fantastic facility – creating opportunities for innovation, skills development, and collaboration in an inspiring setting.”
Andrew Kelly, Headteacher at Parkside Community School, added:
“National Manufacturing Day provides a fantastic opportunity for our students to see first-hand the exciting career pathways available within the manufacturing sector.
Experiences like this play an important role in our careers education programme, helping students make meaningful links between their learning in school and future employment opportunities.
Our students return inspired by what they have seen and learned, particularly the innovation, technology, and teamwork involved in modern manufacturing. We are grateful to the local businesses and partners who give their time to showcase the opportunities available across Chesterfield and the wider region.
As a school, we are committed to raising aspirations and helping young people make informed choices about their future. Events such as this help broaden horizons and give students valuable insight into the opportunities available within our local economy.”
The Made in Chesterfield initiative continues to support the ambitions of the East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ) site at Hartington Staveley in Chesterfield, a brownfield site with excellent transport links, focused on rail and clean manufacturing.
Focusing on clean energy and advanced manufacturing, EMIZ is providing various incentives to businesses located within its area, such as grants, business rates retention and tax incentives, aimed at driving economic growth and generating thousands of high-quality jobs.
