Skills and training opportunities
Already know the skills you need to develop? Browse current apprenticeships, courses and workshops. For further guidance, book your free appointment with the Skills Brokerage Service.
Apprenticeships for all
If you’re looking to recruit new staff, re-train or upskill existing staff, then the apprenticeship route might be for you.
How do they work?
Apprentices must be aged 16 or over and combine working with studying for a work-based qualification, whether that be GCSE or degree level equivalent. Learn more about hiring an apprentice.
Higher and Degree Apprenticeships
Higher apprenticeships go from level 4 to 7 and are equivalent to a foundation degree or above Degree apprenticeships are available at levels 6 and 7 and are equivalent to a full bachelor’s and Master’s. Find out about higher and degree apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship Funding
If you’re looking to take on an apprentice, then you could benefit from funding towards apprenticeship training. Check out the different funding opportunities.
Interested to learn more? Access the Chesterfield Apprenticeships website or for one-to-one support in recruiting and funding an apprentice, contact the Skills Brokerage team.
Courses and workshops
Digital courses
Access digital skills training through Skills Bootcamps. These are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks. You can also build sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with a local employer.
You can also access 12 weeks of digital skills through the Chesterfield Accelerator. The programme offers a dedicated business advisor and training workshops to support development, energy audits, and more. Register your interest by filling out the Chesterfield Accelerator form.
Care sector workers can progress their careers through a range of digital skills training from specialist training provider, Workers Education Association.
Do you or your team need support with mastering Excel? Chesterfield College has flexible courses to help individuals improve their confidence with numbers, formulas, and data. Contact workskills@chesterfield.ac.uk or Chesterfield College’s website to find out more.
Management
Learn how to develop a business growth plan to lead your organisation to achieve its full potential.
This almost fully-funded course lasts twelve weeks and is open to managers and business leaders. It is delivered by the University of Derby and designed to boost business performance, resilience and long-term growth.
Team leading
Help your team members step into a leadership role with a level 2 qualification in team leading. The course takes place remotely over six weeks and you can access Government funding to cover the cost. More info can be found on Chesterfield College’s website.
English and Maths
If you’re looking to develop the numeracy skills of your staff, Derbyshire County Council runs Multiply to share maths skills for work and life. These short courses cover specific numeracy skills required in your workplace. Derbyshire County Council works with you to design a bespoke plan for you and your employees. All consultation, development and delivery is free. For more information, email: multiply@derbyshire.gov.uk.
The Skills Toolkit is a national upskilling service with free courses for jobs including English and Maths. This can be used for upskilling your existing staff as well as a recruitment tool to attract new members of staff.
Skills for construction, engineering and manufacturing businesses
Do your employees need to develop skills or talent in construction, engineering and manufacturing, green skills, HGV driving or rail? Skills Bootcamps are free and flexible courses of up to 16 weeks. Get in touch with the D2N2 Skills Bootcamp Project Officers via skillsbootcamps@d2n2lep.org.
Did you know that an innovative construction training site opened in Chesterfield in 2024? Known as the Construction Skills Hub offers hands-on construction training, career activities, and work experience opportunities.
Funding for the above programmes has been provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Harness skills and resources from nearby training providers
Chesterfield is home to the largest further education college in Derbyshire. Furthermore, we have five universities within a 45-minute drive, including a campus in the town centre. Boost your business by harnessing the skills and resources on offer locally.
Chesterfield College Group
Chesterfield College Group offers support and services for any businesses looking to bring in fresh talent. Perhaps you’re considering hiring an apprentice? The college will support you to advertise vacancies, sifting through applications and assist with the interview process. Call 0345 850 1055 or email info@learningunlimiteduk.com in order to learn more about hiring an apprentice. Moreover, if you have a general business enquiry or want to understand how you can work together, contact the Business Development Team: James Lund, Interim Director of Sales on email lundj@chesterfield.ac.uk or call 07875 193462. Alternatively, contact Rachael Wood, Business Development Consultant, by emailing woodr1@chesterfield.ac.uk or call 07966 524196.
The University of Derby
From working with talented students and graduates to fully funded support for business support and training, The University of Derby can work with you to grow your business. Contact the dedicated Business Engagement Team on 0800 001 5500 in order to see how they can work with you.
The Sheffield Innovation Programme
The Sheffield Innovation Programme is a regional initiative which aims to stimulate growth and promote the development of long-term relationships with SMEs, by providing access to a broad range of academic expertise and university facilities. The support is in the form of bespoke research and innovation-based consultancy, workshops, and other events.
