Author: Dom Stevens

Inspiring the next generation of construction workers

Young people from across Derbyshire took part in an event which aimed to provide them with more information about the range of careers available in the construction industry and gave them the opportunity to try some of the skills needed.

During the two-day event at the Construction Skills Hub, the participants took part in a variety of activities including bricklaying, joinery, roofing, operating a mini digger, a tour of the Mastin Moor site and an interactive challenge where they needed to plan and construct towers using spaghetti and marshmallows. They also had the opportunity to speak with experts from the sector about opportunities in construction.

The event was organised by Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College, Action for Construction and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) with G F Tomlinson, Devonshire Group, Harron Homes, Drury Joinery, and Bowmer & Kirland supporting the event.

It was held at the Staveley Town Deal funded Construction Skills Hub in Mastin Moor, which provides an innovative approach to construction training with students studying on a live construction site, where they can gain both skills and experience in the sector.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management said: “It’s fantastic to see so many young people take part in this event which is a fun and engaging way of providing information on the roles available in the construction industry. It will give young people the experience they need to make informed decisions about their future and how they can have a great career in our borough.

“Collaboration like this between businesses, the public sector and education sector is crucial to providing relevant and up to date information for young people, and I want to thank all our partners who helped ensure this event was a success.”

Luke Mantle, Director of School – Construction, Plumbing, Electrical and Automotive at Chesterfield College, said: “Our construction skills hub is an innovative site for education, and we are delighted to welcome the eight schools to enjoy an invaluable experience here. Construction and wider practical skills are often under-represented in secondary curriculum, so days like today are crucial to show leaners the benefits of studying in a different way.

“A career in the construction industry is exciting, rewarding and can take you to see many parts of the world. This careers event will be one of many ways in which we showcase the benefits of studying in this industry. We strive to work with as many learners as we can and would welcome schools to contact us to join in on these experiences.”

Alex McClymont, Engagement Advisor for Derby and Derbyshire at CITB, said: “These events are something we get really excited for each time. Getting new people in to construction is a big challenge and one we’re addressing head on, alongside local partners. Groups of year 9 and 10 students from local schools, rolled up their sleeves and explored construction through activities like bricklaying, joinery, machine driving, sparking interest in rewarding careers. Events like these are vital for inspiring diverse young talent to help address the industry’s skills gap, ensuring a strong pipeline for our local workforce.”

Rachel Cracknell, Head of Personal Development at Netherthorpe School, said: “This has been a very exciting opportunity for our students. It has provided them with hands-on experience across a range of construction trades and has not only helped raise aspirations but has given them the chance to meet potential future employers.

“The students have absolutely loved the experience and for some, this has helped to confirm that they want to aspire for a career in construction. We would like to thank everyone involved in planning such an inspiring and creative event and would love the opportunity to come back again in the future!”

The pupils who took part in the event came from a variety of schools across Derbyshire including Netherthorpe School, Whittington Green School, Springwell Community College, Holly House School, Ashgate Croft School, Mercia Academy, Derby Cathedral School, St Benedicts Catholic Voluntary Academy, Ecclesbourne School and The Bolsover School.

The Construction Skills Hub provides students with trade-based skills and qualifications in things like groundworks, brickwork, and joinery on a live construction site. This allows them to also gain the experience needed to access careers in the construction sector, and in time the Hub will support degree level apprenticeships.

Over ten years, the Hub aims to provide careers insights, training and work experience for over 5,000 learners with qualifications delivered by Chesterfield College and the University of Derby.

To find out more about the Construction Skills Hub visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-and-economic-growth/regeneration-and-economic-growth/staveley-town-deal/staveley-town-deal-projects/construction-skills-hub

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction

Work begins at Hartington Commerce Park

Work has started to build a new industrial site in Staveley that will help attract new businesses and create more jobs as part of a regional growth strategy.

Hartington Commerce Park is a 20-hectare site that has outline planning permission for industrial and warehouse development and work has started with a new access road which will connect the site with Hall Lane. The project is led and owned by Tawnywood Ltd.

Development of the site is primarily funded by the private sector but funding from the Staveley Town Deal is being used for enabling works on the site, including the creation of the new access point and connecting the site with utilities.

Once complete Hartington Commerce Park will form part of the Staveley, Chesterfield East Midlands Investment Zone which will support the growth of the advanced manufacturing and clean technology sectors.

The initial works have seen the new entrance to the site cleared in preparation for an access road and utility connections which will help encourage further development of the site.

The Staveley, Chesterfield East Midlands Investment Zone is part of an initiative funded by the Government and led by East Midlands Combined County Authority. It aims to drive economic growth and create thousands of jobs across the region.

The next phases of development at Hartington Commerce Park will see the access road completed. Buildings will then be developed as businesses confirm they want space on the site.

Learn more about the site and the East Midlands Investment Zone at the Chesterfield Investment Summit on the 5th November at the Casa Hotel – Book your place now.

Discover more about the projects of the Staveley Town Deal.

Posted in Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction

£80,000 set to be awarded to local community groups

Community groups and voluntary organisations in Chesterfield are set to benefit from a share of a further £80,000 in funding as grant applications reopen.

Chesterfield Borough Council has once again reopened applications for its Community Grants Fund scheme, which has already seen more than £450,000 of funding awarded to organisations across the borough.

Since the Community Grants Fund scheme launched in 2023, it has helped more than 100 local organisations that support resilient, healthy, and safe neighbourhoods, as well as initiatives which will help to tackle food poverty and social isolation, or support people to get in to work.

It is also supporting projects that will reduce the borough’s impact on the climate and wider environment by promoting greener choices.

Applications for funding from the scheme are now open for eligible groups to apply. The deadline for applications is Friday 24 October 2025.

More information on the eligibility criteria and details on how to apply can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-grants-fund

The funding that has been awarded to local groups so far is being used to deliver initiatives that are having a positive impact on Chesterfield residents.

WORTH, a local wellness centre that supports women and children that have been affected by domestic abuse, has used funding received via the scheme to create a ‘Garden of Hope’. A survivor of domestic abuse has joined in with the project to seek a safe space where she can rebuild her confidence and connect with others.

She reflected: “I didn’t think I could be good at something again, but this garden has shown me I can. It has given me a sense of purpose and belonging.”

Elsewhere, Monkwood Community Food Hub has received funds to renovate its kitchen and has been able to provide local families with something hot to eat and drink.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We are lucky to have so many groups here in Chesterfield that help to improve the lives of local people, and this latest round of grant funding will allow us to support even more projects.

“Since the Community Grants Scheme was launched in 2023, we’ve helped more than 100 groups from across Chesterfield Borough by providing funding to help them to deliver vital projects.

“From allowing local groups to deliver exciting gardening projects that bring people together, to volunteers providing hot meals and opportunities for residents to get together, the scheme is having a positive impact on the lives of local people, and it shows our commitment to putting our communities first.”

Alongside the Community Grants Fund, the council is running a community development project which will provide support to organisations wishing to apply for the grant. If you would like any help or guidance with submitting a bid, please contact the team on:

Email: communitygrants@chesterfield.gov.uk

Phone: Phone: 01246 959657 / 07790 977317 or 01246 959415 / 07929 000796

Post: Community Grants Fund, c/o Wendy Blunt,
Health and Wellbeing Officer,
Chesterfield Borough Council,
Town Hall,
Chesterfield,
S40 1LP

Funding for the grants scheme has been successfully secured from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), together with money raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion (CIL).

Chesterfield Borough Council has been awarded a further £1.1m through the UKSPF, to deliver a range of projects until March 2026. The funding was allocated to the council by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

Work begins on modern custody suite

Builders and contractors are on site to begin work on a brand new custody suite in Chesterfield.

The new purpose-built facility for Derbyshire Constabulary, based in Dunston, will serve the north of the county, and work is currently underway to prepare the grounds and foundations.

The project will be delivered by Chesterfield Champions Willmott Dixon.

It will take over from the current custody suite, based in Ripley.

The modern design, which has gone through a thorough design and approval process with contractors Willmott Dixon, has been based on national guidance and research to ensure it meets the needs of every prisoner..

Inside the suite, there will be 36 cells, interview and consultation rooms, as well as dedicated voluntary attendance and bail areas.

There will also be a virtual court to help with dialling into hearings, as well as a larger, naturally lit charge area and specially designed process rooms.

Welfare facilities will also be included, as well as modern CCTV and security and areas for vehicles.

Assistant Chief Officer Andrew Price at Derbyshire Constabulary said: “This new custody suite represents a significant investment in our operational capabilities. The modern facility will provide our officers with the modern and fit for purpose working environment they need to serve the communities of Derbyshire effectively.”

Michelle Cotterill, project director at Willmott Dixon, added: “We are proud to be working with Derbyshire Constabulary to deliver this critical infrastructure. As a company with extensive experience in law-and-order projects, we understand the unique requirements of custody facilities and the importance of creating environments that support both operational efficiency and officer wellbeing.”

The main structure is set to be constructed in 2026, and the build is currently due to complete mid-2027.

Posted in Development, Home

Chesterfield’s manufacturing sector says it must stay proactive to thrive

Chesterfield’s manufacturing sector is navigating a challenging economic landscape. But local leaders say the key to long-term success lies in collaboration, proactive engagement, and a shared commitment to shaping the future.

At a recent roundtable hosted by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with the Derbyshire Times, the manufacturing industry and support organisations discussed the sector’s resilience. Participants stressed, however, that resilience alone would not be enough.

Ivan Fomin of MSE Hiller said, “You can’t sell to customers who aren’t investing. We’ve got the technology and talent, but without demand, we’re treading water.

“Yet, if we want to lay the groundwork for future growth, we must continue to engage with the wider eco-system, from mock interviews to celebratory initiatives like Made in Chesterfield. We’ve got a very cooperative business community. It’s not everywhere. When I talk about it in other places, they wish they had what we have in Chesterfield.”

The need to develop networks was echoed by Josh Kirkwood of Graphoidal. He said, “We’re keen to engage with colleges and support initiatives that showcase what manufacturing in Chesterfield is all about. Even when times are tough, it’s vital to keep those relationships strong.”

The round table also showcased how education providers are stepping up. Chesterfield College is launching a new Engineering, Manufacturing and Life Sciences Centre, alongside a fresh approach to business partnerships.

“We’re building a framework to understand what employers need, reward collaboration, and measure impact,” said Rhys Robinson, Director of Engineering and Digital Services to Business. “It’s not just about guest lectures – it’s about shaping curriculum and outcomes.”

The University of Derby is also evolving its strategy.

“We’re aiming to be the most industry-engaged university in the UK,” said Rob Ricketts, Industry Engagement Lead. “Every academic must bring industry into their teaching. Students will leave with real experience, not just theory.”

Manufacturing is deeply embedded in Chesterfield’s identity.

“We’ve got 335 manufacturing businesses – 9% of our total – compared to a national average of 4.5%,” said Lynda Sharp from Chesterfield Borough Council. “A significant portion of our workforce is employed in the sector.”

Support for this key sector is available from East Midlands Chamber, Chesterfield Borough Council, and Destination Chesterfield, offering routes to access funding, skills development, and strategic advice. But as Ian Bates from the Chamber noted: “Businesses say they need help, but they don’t always engage.”

Practical steps for manufacturers to build networks:

Discover support for your business: http://www.chesterfield.co.uk/business/business-support

Join the next Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Manufacturing Forum on 21st October at: www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-and-north-derbyshire-manufacturing-forum

Posted in Blog, Business, Home, Manufacturing

Chesterfield careers programme celebrates inspiring young people for two years

A pioneering project designed to provide local people with valuable work experience and career insights has reached a significant milestone – supporting more than 730 young people over the last two years.

The Careers Made in Chesterfield (CMiC) programme, which launched in 2023, delivers careers education, advice and guidance, and directly links young people, parents, teachers and carers to local opportunities from Chesterfield’s property and construction, manufacturing and engineering and social care sectors.

CMiC is a key part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Skills Action Plan which aims to ensure that local people have the right skills to support their career progression and benefit from future employment opportunities.

The CMiC workshop programme is delivered in local schools and the Chesterfield Youth Hub by the Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP), and over the last two years it has:

  • Hosted nine workshops engaging with 732 individuals across the programme
  • Provided experiences of work for 49 individuals including visits to large council regeneration projects including Stephenson Memorial Hall and the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project which has included town centre regeneration works.
  • Supported 44 professionals across 28 businesses and organisations including Frank Shaw Associates, Rodgers Leask, Met Office, University of Derby, Nottingham Trent University, Chesterfield College, Fortem, and the Environment Agency to name a few.

Paula Symonds, Projects Manager at Direct Education Business Partnership, said: “CMiC is now entering its third year, and we are incredibly proud of how it’s grown. Each year, it expands to include more job sectors, introducing students to a wider range of career options.  One of the best parts of the programme is working closely with local employers.  This provides students with first-hand insights into the skills, qualifications, and pathways required to secure employment directly from local industry professionals.”

Chesterfield College has supported the CMiC programme by delivering the Chesterfield to Eat Well sessions to two local schools – Springwell Community College and Parkside Community School – focussing on the benefits of eating healthily and how to cook low budget meals at home. 74 students have engaged with sessions over the last two years.

Six encounters between local teachers and businesses have resulted from East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) facilitating teacher encounter sessions over the last two years, taking Chesterfield teachers out of the classroom and allowing them to visit different workplaces to see what different careers and opportunities are available for our young people.

Funding from EMCCA Careers Hub has also allowed Chesterfield Borough Council to engage with 328 individuals at apprenticeship and technical information events in the last two years, delivered within different communities in Chesterfield to raise awareness of apprenticeship and T-level opportunities locally to parents and carers.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Allowing young people to make informed decisions about their future career paths by creating work placement opportunities, engaging with local businesses and attending workshops where they can ask employers questions directly is really important to allow them to understand what skills they will need to develop their learning.

“The Careers Made in Chesterfield programme has had a fantastic second year. The collaboration between schools and businesses, allows students to find out more about the options open to them in the workplace.

“If you’re a local business, I would encourage you to find out more about the scheme because it will help guide young people to into industries in the future, benefiting both them individually and the wider local economy.”

Diane Beresford, Deputy CEO of East Midlands Chamber, and Chair of the Skills and Employment Partnership said: “6 out of 10 East Midlands businesses say they have difficulty recruiting suitable staff, according to the findings of the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey, which really underlines the importance of getting people upskilled. Maximising skillset when young is a gift to employers who want candidates that can hit the ground running.

“The Careers Made in Chesterfield programme is that bridge that brings young people’s thought processes into close alignment with the needs of businesses – what are the skills I need to prioritise; what line of work would best suit me; what should I do about getting there? Getting insight like that at a young age is invaluable really.”

Discover more about supporting careers activity in Chesterfield by sigining up to our email updates.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Home, Skills

Breathing new life into a communal garden

Green-fingered tenants in Chesterfield have been busy breathing new life into their communal garden – creating a vibrant space for neighbours to come together.

Tenants at Glebe Court in Old Whittington, which is an independent living scheme owned by Chesterfield Borough Council, have been able to transform the shared outdoor space after they secured £200 in funding from Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s ‘Feeling Connected’ funding stream.

The funding has enabled the purchase of plants, bird feeders and gardening equipment, all of which have contributed to a greener, more welcoming environment for the residents to enjoy.

To make the garden accessible to all, tenants have also repurposed old trestle tables from the recently-regenerated Chesterfield Market to create raised planting beds – ensuring that those with mobility needs can take part in the transformation project too and enjoy the communal area to its full potential.

Further funding has also been secured by the tenants to buy some water butts, allowing rainwater to be recycled to help maintain the outdoor space.

Initially led by two of the scheme’s residents, the project has blossomed into a vibrant community project, with more tenants getting involved and helping to enhance the outdoor space.

Tenants have already noticed a marked increase in bird activity and have commented on how much more pleasant the garden feels.

Tenants Ian and Julie have been heavily involved in the transformation of the communal garden. They said: “When we first moved in we noticed that the garden was more landscaped, and we talked with other tenants about turning it into a native wildlife garden as it was all sterile before and didn’t really attract wildlife.

“People now sit outside and listen to the birds and enjoy looking at the flowers, it makes people feel happy.”

Margret is another one of the tenants who has been involved with the project. She said: “I’ve always loved gardening and had to leave a lot of plants at my old house when I moved here. It’s good to have help from other tenants as it can be harder for me to garden now and we help each other out with equipment, plants and different tasks. Carl, one of my neighbours at Glebe Court, has helped me with planting and watering.  Some of us will have trips out to the garden centre too, to choose plants for the garden.

“I can see the garden from my flat window and it looks nice. We have more wildlife in the garden now too, including birds, squirrels and even an owl who visits.”

Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “It’s been fantastic to see tenants at Glebe Court coming together to transform their communal garden and I’m looking forward to visiting soon so I can see what they have achieved.

“As well as creating a more vibrant area, this project has also created opportunities to socialise more, with tenants gathering more frequently than they usually would to work collaboratively to create a space that they can all enjoy together.

“As part of our commitment to tackling loneliness and social isolation, all of our independent living schemes offer communal areas to allow residents to come together, so it’s great to see that this space is being enjoyed and the tenants are transforming it into an area that they can be proud of.”

Encouraged by the success of the initial improvements, tenants are now applying for additional funding to allow them to continue working together to develop the garden.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home

New exhibition celebrates Chesterfield’s railway heritage

Railway Town is a free exhibition that will be hosted at the Winding Wheel Theatre from Tuesday 7 October until Wednesday 29 October and open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 1pm and from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Marking the 200th anniversary of the modern railway the exhibition will explore the history of Chesterfield’s three railway lines, the connection to industries in Brampton and the town’s connection with the father of the railways, George Stephenson.

There will also be a series of talks about the history of the railways, including an illustrated slideshow presentation by Stephen Gay on Saturday 18 October, this explores his favourite railway lines – featuring stories of his adventures with his faithful German Shepherd dog Wrawby, historical information, poetry readings and lots of laughs.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The development of railways helped industries in Chesterfield to grow. And of course, we have a special connection with George Stephenson with him choosing to spend his final years in our town.

“This exhibition will help you explore this history and understand the incredible impact the railways have had in our town and with this year being an important anniversary of the rail industry there has never been a better time to uncover this history.”

Photographs and maps that are included in this exhibition have been shared by The Intrepids, a railway walking group.

This exhibition is part of Museum on the Move, which aims to ensure that whilst Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre are closed for refurbishment residents and visitors can still connect with our borough’s history and culture.

This is the latest event in Chesterfield to celebrate Railway 200.  Barrow Hill Roundhouse near Chesterfield will also host a spectacular three-day gala this October.

From Friday 10 to Sunday 12 October 2025, visitors will experience a once-in-a-generation celebration at the UK’s only surviving operational railway roundhouse. The event will feature iconic locomotives, including the legendary A3 60103 “Flying Scotsman”, which will be on display and hauling trains across the weekend.

Discover more events happening in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Half term, Home, Leisure

Barrow Hill Memorial Hall is being given a new lease of life

The refurbishment of Barrow Hill Memorial Hall is progressing rapidly and will create an enhanced community building with healthcare facilities.

Barrow Hill Community Trust is leading the multi-million pound refurbishment of its historic home which is partly funded by the Staveley Town Deal.

The construction began in January 2025 and has progressed quickly with the installation of a new roof and skylight, a new heating system for the whole building and the internal layout of the building has been adapted to create healthcare facilities and an expanded community space.

The next phase of works will see internal walls finished, a kitchen fitted out, the relaying of historic parquet flooring and works to finish the ground floor – ready to welcome the community back in December 2025.

The first phase of works is funded by the Staveley Town Deal and a recent visit showed how much progress has been made.

The first phase of works, funded through the Staveley Town Deal, is focussed on the ground floor, and work to protect the building. It includes the installation of a new roof and skylight which will help brighten up a new community café bar, the creation of new spaces which will be used for healthcare provision, and improvements to essential systems in the building which will allow it to be a valuable community facility for many years to come.

Barrow Hill Community Trust has big plans for future phases of the project with other external funding being used to create a new community reading room, a venue suitable for live music and events, a family centre, and an enhanced space for youth provision.

Discover more about Staveley Town Deal Projects

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Property and Construction

City and Guilds present Excellence Award to Chesterfield College Group this National Manufacturing Day

Chesterfield College Group is absolutely delighted to have received an End Point Assessment Excellence Award from Awarding Body City and Guilds in recognition for exceptional apprenticeship success rates.

With several areas registering 100% success rates including Fabrication Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Metal Fabrication and Data Technician, the college’s long standing reputation for quality apprenticeship training is going from strength to strength.

Jonathan Price, City & Guilds Business Development Manager – Central North explains, “City & Guilds are proud to partner Chesterfield College and recognise their fantastic EPA achievements. The college has well above benchmark success rates and the work staff do to make sure apprentices are looked after from day 1. The commitment to the apprentices and to support local and regional employers is clear to see. It is no surprise to see growth in apprenticeships year on year. The college also work hard to make sure the right learners go on to the right apprenticeships which has had a fantastic impact on retention and success rates.”

Director of Engineering, Digital and Services to Business at Chesterfield College Group, Rhys Robinson explains, “I am incredibly proud of the dedication, hard work, and commitment shown by our team in supporting both apprentices and employers. Their efforts have led to a significant increase in retention and success rates, with over 100 successful EPA achievements facilitated through City & Guilds last year alone. Being recognised for excellence in EPA is a fantastic honour, and it reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality programmes that develop the future workforce.”

If you’re interested in taking on an apprentice in your business, Chesterfield College Group can provide a clear, uncomplicated path for you to follow. Take a look at the college’s hub of information for employers here.

If you’re interested in becoming an apprentice, then why not take a look at the subjects on offer here? An interview with Chesterfield College is all it takes to add you to our talent pool of next-generation talent for employers to choose from.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Manufacturing, Skills

Chesterfield celebrates National Manufacturing Day

Over 100 students from five schools got an exciting behind-the-scenes look at Chesterfield’s leading manufacturers as part of the first large-scale National Manufacturing Day event in Derbyshire.

Organised as part of the Made in Chesterfield Festival with support from the Work-wise Foundation, Destination Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire Council, the event coincided with Make UK’s nationwide open house on 25 September, when manufacturers across the UK opened their doors to students, communities and the public.

Pupils from The Bolsover School, Tupton Hall, Parkside Community School, Springwell Community College and Early Life Enterprise visited United Cast Bar, CBE+, Heraeus Electro-Nite (UK) Ltd, Penny Engineering and Weightron Bilanciai Ltd.

The day included factory tours, hands-on workshops, and an Innovation Challenge in the morning, with students presenting their ideas at Barrow Hill Roundhouse in the afternoon. Participants discovered a variety of manufacturing processes, as well as insights into engineering, design, and project management.

Event organiser, David Beet from United Cast Bar Ltd, said: “National Manufacturing Day is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the creativity and innovation happening right here in Chesterfield and Derbyshire. It’s inspiring to see young people so engaged and excited about the career possibilities in manufacturing.”

Nick Catt, Managing Director at Weightron Bilanciai Ltd and board member for Destination Chesterfield, added, “Here in Chesterfield, we’re proud to be part of a community that not only makes world-class products but also invests in the next generation of talent. Events like the Innovation Challenge for National Manufacturing Day demonstrate to young people that manufacturing isn’t just about machines, but also about ideas and collaboration.  It was fantastic to see so many schools taking part and businesses opening their doors and minds to inspire tomorrow’s engineers and creators.  What a great way to launch this year’s Made in Chesterfield Festival.”

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.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “National Manufacturing Day is a fantastic opportunity for local young people to learn more about industries right here in Chesterfield.

“Initiatives like Made in Chesterfield provide us with the opportunity to work in partnership with businesses and the community sector so we can help local people develop the skills to progress in their careers or access new opportunities as they become available.

“Chesterfield Borough Council prides itself on the relationships that have been formed between schools and businesses, allowing students to find out more about the options open to them in the workplace.”

North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Cllr Jayne Barry, said, “This is a great opportunity for our next generation of innovators to get hands-on with employers, opening new doors and insights into the world of work.

“As a council, we are passionate about helping our local economy grow and provide real chances of high-skilled employment for our communities, and this festival does just that.”

The Made in Chesterfield Festival runs until the end of October, providing young people with the opportunity to learn more about manufacturing and engineering careers in Chesterfield.

Made in Chesterfield is organised by Destination Chesterfield and Direct Education Business Partnership in association with Chesterfield College and supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, the EMCCA Career Hub, United Cast Bar Ltd and MSE Hiller.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Home, Manufacturing, Skills