Manufacturing

Chesterfield business featured in Parliamentary Review on manufacturing

A Chesterfield manufacturer has been featured in this year’s Parliamentary Review on government policy involving the manufacturing and services sector.

United Cast Bar (UCB), Europe’s largest manufacturer of continuously cast iron bar, is one of only 16 companies from the metals, materials and fabrication sector to be included in the annual review.

With a foreword written by the Prime Minister Theresa May, the review has been sent to more than 500,000 leading business executives, policy makers and other relevant individuals. The Review also features messages from Lord Pickles and Lord Blunkett. For more information, please click here.

James Brand, Managing Director of United Cast Bar (UK) explained: “Being included in the Parliamentary Review is a great opportunity to put UCB’s name in front of both key politicians and industry representatives.”

“Brexit has created an uncertain climate for the sector in which UCB operates, but I am positive about the future. I personally see it as an opportunity for the company. We manufacture great products in this country and there has been a shift, both at home and abroad, towards buying British. UK demand for our product is increasing and I am confident that the final agreement with the EU will have few or no barriers for trade.”

Formed in February 1998, United Cast Bar is the result of the merger of three of Europe’s most prestigious continuous cast iron bar foundries and their associated stockist and service centres. The UK foundry and worldwide headquarters are based in Chesterfield and it is from here that approximately 90% of production is exported.

United Car Bar employs more than 100 people at its site on Spital Lane. James added: “Chesterfield has served us well in the 20 years we have been based in the town. There is an excellent supply of skilled employees in and around Chesterfield and we are keen to attract more through our apprenticeship programme and links with local schools.”

“If we are to develop our young people and retain their talent in the UK, schools must start bringing manufacturing and engineering careers to their attention; getting young people interested in the sector is a great first step.”

As part of the drive to recruit more young people to the company, United Cast Bar is a founding member of Destination Chesterfield’s Made in Chesterfield initiative and the supporting Chesterfield Manufacturers Forum.

The year-long campaign looks to inspire the next generation, with businesses, schools and training providers coming together to showcase the sector.

As part of the 2018 Made in Chesterfield campaign, UCB will be supporting the drive to get young people interested in careers in the manufacturing sector by hosting school visits to the foundry over the next 12 months.

To arrange a visit to United Cast Bar for your school as part of Made in Chesterfield, please contact Charlie Kay at Derbyshire Education Business Partnership on 01246 212535.

United Cast Bar Parliamentary Review

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Manufacturing

International flame protection firm set to open new base at Markham Vale

Protec International is set to open a new site and create 20 new jobs at the flagship regeneration site Markham Vale.

Protec International is the leading supplier of flame retardant temporary protection materials approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) to the construction industry.

Stephen Cox, Managing Director of Protec International, said: “Markham Vale offers the ideal location for our business, particularly given the high quality currently available on the market.”

“The initial phase will create up to 20 new jobs and plans for the second phase could add a further 20-25 across manufacturing and warehousing disciplines. The site provides the full package and we look forward to moving in next year.”

The firm’s new warehouse and offices will be in addition to a number of bases across the country. Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Protec International to Markham Vale.”

“They’ll be a fantastic addition to the site’s growing family of businesses and it’s great to hear that the firm are looking to create up to 20 new jobs for local people too.”

“Markham’s excellent location continues to attract a range of small, medium and large businesses that can be local, national and international and we’re really pleased it continues to move from strength to strength.”

The firm’s new 5.39 acre base is set to be completed towards the end of 2019 and will be designed and built by our private sector property partner, Henry Boot Developments on Markham Vale North. Andrew Priestley, Development Surveyor at Henry Boot Developments, said:

“Demand has remained robust at Markham Vale, led largely by its unrivalled transport links and proven success as a top-flight industrial location.”

“We’ve no doubt that Markham Vale will prove an excellent location for Protec International, supporting its continued growth while creating valuable new jobs.”

Businesses interested in acquiring premises at the site should contact the Head of Markham Vale, Peter Storey on tel: 01629 535417.

Markham Vale

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Manufacturing

Chesterfield business relaunches as a dedicated commercial training provider

Continuing its 50-year history in the Chesterfield business community, NLT Training Services has successfully relaunched as a dedicated commercial training provider.

Recognising the need to multi-skill people within the workplace to better enable companies to manage skill shortages, NLT has developed a range of commercial training courses.

Specialising in training for the manufacturing and engineering-related training, NLT now also offers bespoke packages, specifically created to match the training needs of businesses.

Supporting the refocus of the business, NLT has also launched a new, more user-friendly website which includes an online booking system for its range of health and safety course. A new, centralised telephone number has also been introduced to make getting in touch with NLT even easier.

The new training offering has been welcomed by businesses operating in the sector.

According to research from the Open University, three in five firms say that the skills shortage in the UK has worsened in the last year. More than half (53%) expect recruitment problems to deepen in the next year as we leave the EU.

91% of employers surveyed revealed that a lack of available talent was affecting their business. Upskilling and cross-training existing workforce has been identified as a solution to the immediate skills shortage.

The company’s re-focus follows the move to cease operating as an apprenticeship training provider. Keen to build on 50 years’ experience working with businesses throughout the region, the company refocused its efforts earlier this year to concentrate on its commercial training offering.

NLT continues to be led by Chief Executive Sarah Temperton, who said: “This is a time of transformation for NLT. Although early days we are have a strong team and are building our commercial training offering to reflect the ever-diversifying needs of businesses.”

“We also want to give something back to businesses, so we are looking at developing a bursary to help more people enter the industry in order to address the skills problem.”

Posted in Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Manufacturing

Local businesses celebrated at Derbyshire Times Business Awards

Celebrating their 30th year of caring for north-Derbyshire patients with life-limiting illnesses, Ashgate Hospicecare were named Business of the Year at the Derbyshire Times Business Awards 2018.

The awards were held at Chesterfield College and hosted by Dronfield entrepreneur Jessica Cunningham, star of TV show The Apprentice.

It is the 10th year that the Derbyshire Times has held their Business Awards, recognising the very best of the area’s commerce, trade and industry. Outstanding firms and the businessmen and women that run them were honoured in 14 different categories.

Derbyshire Times Editor Phil Bramley said: “The awards night was a great celebration of some of the outstanding business we have in our local community.”

“It was especially moving to see the standing ovation which Jillian Thomas received as she collected her Lifetime Achievement award and as she spoke powerfully about how being caught up in the Boxing Day Tsunami while on holiday in Thailand changed her life forever.”

“The judges had no hesitation in naming Ashgate Hospicecare as our overall Business of the Year 2018 and there can surely be no more deserving recipient.”

“It was especially fitting that they received the award in the year they mark 30 years of providing vital end-of-life care to people across north Derbyshire.”

The winners were:

The Innovation Award 

Winner: Auto Windscreen

Highly commended: Chesterfield Royal Hospital Foundation Trust, MOTUS Women Entrepreneurs Network.

People Development Award

Winner: A-Rock Construction

Community Contribution Award

Winner: Less Than Zero Barbers

Highly commended: Chameleon School of Construction

Customer Service Award

Winner: S44 Travel

Highly commended: Less Than Zero Barbers, Pinewood Properties

Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Jenna- Leigh Bates of Recruit 2 You Ltd

Highly commended: Declan Pike of Palamatic, Deborah Downes of  Van Dyk by Wildes

Independent Retailer of the Year

Winner: Itsy Bitsy Boutique

Lifestyle and Leisure Award

Winner: Stephensons Tea and Coffee House

Highly commended: Morley Hayes

New Business of the Year

Winner: Revilo Images

Highly commended: Edwards Employment Solutions Ltd, White Peak Distillery

Professional Services

Winner: Shorts

Highly Commended: Pinewood Properties

Small Business of the Year

Winner: Emerald Accountancy Services Ltd

Highly commended: Inspire Design and Development, Paperclip, Sanitaryware Supplies Company Ltd.

The Excellence in Manufacturing Award

Winner: BG Engineering

Charity of the Year award

Winner: Ashgate Hospicecare

Mitchells Anniversary Award 

Winner: Sanitaryware Supplies Company Ltd

Business Person of the Year award

Winner: Rupert Armitage of Auto Windscreens

Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner: Jillian Thomas of Future Life Wealth Management

2018 Business of the Year 

Winner: Ashgate Hospicecare

Derbyshire Times Business Awards

Derbyshire Times Business Awards 2018: Winners and runners-up join together for a group photograph at the end of the awards ceremony.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Manufacturing, Visiting

Education and business sectors join forces to launch 12-month Made in Chesterfield campaign

A year-long campaign, which is sponsored by University of Derby, has been launched in Chesterfield to get more young people interested in careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

Established in 2014, Made in Chesterfield has traditionally been a month-long festival held during November. To mark its fifth year, the campaign has now been aligned with the National Curriculum and will run throughout the next 12 months.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, the Made in Chesterfield campaign brings together businesses and employers in the sector with schools and education providers.

This year, the campaign is supported by key employers in the local STEM sector, including Chesterfield Police, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar, Kingfield Electronics, Aztec Oils, Penny Hydraulics and Trans-Tronic, who are all opening their doors to teachers and pupils who are keen to know more about careers and jobs on offer.

Since establishing Made in Chesterfield, the campaign has resulted in over 2,500 young people from schools spending time in the area’s manufacturing and engineering businesses. School visits to businesses operating within the STEM sector are being organised by Derbyshire Education Business Partnership.

Chesterfield College has also credited the initiative with helping to make a difference to the awareness of careers linked to STEM subjects. The number of students studying STEM subjects at the College has increased from 265 last year to 440 in 2018.

Launched at Barrow Hill Roundhouse, the move to a 12-month campaign follows news that Spanish train manufacturer Talgo is considering investing in a £9 million innovation centre at Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

Speaking at the launch Dr Peter Dewhurst, Commercial Director, University of Derby, said: “Since opening the University’s Campus at St Helena’s in October 2016, the University has worked hard to support the town with us enrolling over 400 new learners and engaging with 12 local businesses to deliver Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. However, we are keen to do more to support the community and local businesses in achieving their potential and one way we are looking to achieve this is through our support for the Made in Chesterfield campaign.”

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “Talgo’s recent interest in Chesterfield has further put the spotlight on the town’s engineering and manufacturing sector. Our central location, engineering heritage and knowledge base makes us particularly attractive to companies operating within the STEM sector.”

“It’s a very exciting time for Chesterfield. We have the core ingredients to make the area a national hub of excellence for manufacturing and engineering. Initiatives like Made in Chesterfield which bring together education and business are so important in helping the town attract further investment to increase both job numbers and opportunities for everyone.”

Clare Talati, Director of Derbyshire Education Business Partnership said: “We have seen this initiative grow each year and we actively encourage all schools to get involved; bringing the world of work to life for learners is at the core of what we aim to deliver and the commitment made by local businesses is fantastic and not to be missed.”

In addition to the University of Derby, Made in Chesterfield is also run in partnership with MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd, NatWest and Placing Futures.

To find out more about Made in Chesterfield and how you can get involved, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/.

launch Made in Chesterfield campaign

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Manufacturing, Visiting

New website to unearth mining history at Markham Vale

From dusty faces, holidays to Skegness and coalface training – lots of stories from Markham Colliery are being unearthed every day thanks to the launch of a new website.

The Story Mine website has been set up by a team of local volunteers, including local historian Sandra Struggles and has been funded by Derbsyhire County Council alongside a £35,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The new website gives details about the lives of the men who worked at the site, their jobs and the local mining community. Residents will also be able to use the website to send in their stories, memories or facts and hear about the project’s latest developments, events and discoveries.

Research into the lives of the thousands of local men who worked at the site between 1882 and 1993 has been carried out as part of the Story Mine project.

There are also real-life accounts of working down the pit from former miners and videos from relatives of the men who were tragically killed working at the site in the 3 major disasters in 1937, 1938 and 1973.

Shane Cooper talks about losing his father Gordon Richard Cooper in the 1973 disaster: “On the morning of the tragic accident my father kissed my mother goodbye and then me and my sisters, he grabbed his lunchbox and left the house whistling and singing away as he walked to the pit.”

“Miners innocently went to work and never came home to their families.”

Elaine Tidd, daughter of Markham miner Keith Bigg, said: “My father was a miner at Markham Colliery for the majority of his working life.”

“I remember living so close to the mine that our house would get dusty.”

“Each year we’d go on holiday to the miners’ camp at Skegness – we would see the same families that you would see all year round and it was fantastic. We’d have a cinema, ballroom, swimming and there was always a competition to enter.”

Markham Colliery has now been reclaimed by Derbyshire County Council and Henry Boot Developments and is home to the Markham Vale flagship regeneration scheme which is working to create 4,100 jobs for local people.

Councillor Tony King, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration said: “We’re delighted to see the launch of the Story Mine website – it’s interactive, informative and an excellent place for people to share their stories of Markham Colliery.”

“These stories are very important and it’s vital that we don’t forget the site’s mining history, the challenging jobs the pit workers had and the sacrifices they and their families made.”

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has been involved in the Story Mine project – you should be very proud of what has been achieved.”

Councillor King added: “I’d also like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund and National Lottery players for making the project possible.”

All the stories included on the website have been researched by a group of local community volunteers and this work will continue with help from members of the public.

Great strides have already been made at Markham Vale by us to remember its mining history with the permanent ‘Walking Together’ memorial which will eventually feature 106 figures stretching between the village of Duckmanton in Chesterfield and the former pithead which symbolises a miner’s journey to and from work and represents the 106 men who lost their lives in 3 major disasters at the site in 1937, 1938 and 1973.

The Walking Together memorial has been designed by Cheshire-based Artist Stephen Broadbent, commissioned by arts organisation Beam, who also manage the Story Mine project on our behalf.

The website can be found here: markhamstorymine.org

Unearthing stories from Markham Colliery: (from right) Councillor Tony King – Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration with relative and volunteer Alison Bull and relative Shane Cooper.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Leisure, Manufacturing, Visiting

University of Derby becomes first in the country to sign up to Student Success Framework

The University of Derby has signed a memorandum of understanding with Advance HE, making it the first higher education institution in the country to commit to embedding the agency’s best practice framework into all its programmes.

By adopting the Student Success Framework, the University will create a more consistent and integrated approach to curriculum design, as well as enhancing its digital offering. The University will adopt seven principles which will put students at the heart of the learning experience, including supporting student attainment, developing their skills as independent learners, connecting across disciplines and enabling them to become ‘game changers’.

During her visit, Advance HE Chief Executive Alison Johns met Vice-Chancellor Professor Kathryn Mitchell and her Executive Team, as well as other senior colleagues and students.

Professor Malcolm Todd, the University’s Provost (Academic) said: “Today’s signing reinforces the University of Derby’s role in being a force for positive impact, positioning us at the forefront of the sector.”

“Our aim is to embed the Advance HE Student Success Framework Series across the University, to support the broader aspects of learning and teaching in a more integrated and innovative manner. It aligns with our own Strategic Framework, which is designed to ensure our students graduate with the skills, knowledge, experience and attributes to enable them to fulfil their ambitions and make a positive contribution to the world.”

The signing reflects the University’s commitment to providing a high quality learning and teaching experience for its students, which this year has seen it:

The National Student Satisfaction Survey (NSS) reported in July that satisfaction with teaching at the University had risen to 88%. In the same survey, student satisfaction at the University overall had risen to 86%, above the national average.

This was reflected in the University’s success in the Times and Sunday Times league table, which saw it rise from 55th last year to 40th this year for student experience.

These achievements followed the Teaching Excellence Framework Gold ranking from the Higher Education Funding Council in 2017, which puts the University of Derby in the top 20% of all providers in the UK.

Professor Mitchell said: “We are delighted to formalise this relationship between the University of Derby and Advance HE. Our commitment to high quality learning and teaching is paramount to our students and staff alike. We look forward to working closely together to deliver on our commitment to an outstanding student experience.”

Alison Johns, Chief Executive of Advance HE, added: “We are delighted to be working with the University of Derby. Our Student Success Framework aims to help HEIs deliver practical solutions to improving teaching and enhancing learning. Working with the University of Derby is an important opportunity to foster collaboration so that we can share and learn from best practice.”

Vice-Chancellor Professor Kathryn Mitchell and Advance HE Chief Executive Alison Johns

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Manufacturing

University of Derby named 13th for teaching quality in league table

The University of Derby is the 13th best university in the UK for teaching quality, according to the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019 league table.

The table, to be published this weekend, will show that the University has climbed from 22nd to joint 13th in the country for its teaching quality.

University of Derby Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kathryn Mitchell, said: “The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide ranking is a very important assessment of a university’s progress across a range of measures. To be ranked joint 13th in the country for teaching quality is a fantastic achievement, and further reinforces our commitment to delivering teaching and learning excellence at Derby.

“Our teaching strategy encourages our academic teaching staff to be innovative in their approach to teaching and to be flexible enough to support the learning needs of individual students. We aim to help every student fulfil their potential and prepare them for their future career or further study.”

This league table position is the latest in a long line of achievements for the University of Derby, which this year has seen it:

  • Ranked as one of the UK’s top 30 universities overall in The Guardian’s University Guide for 2019 – it’s highest ever overall position
  • Named among the world’s top 250 modern universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University rankings
  • Presented with the Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year Award at the Times Higher Education Leadership and Management Awards (THELMAs)

The National Student Satisfaction Survey (NSS) reported in July that satisfaction with teaching at the University of Derby had risen to 88%. In the same survey, assessment and feedback had moved up to 79% satisfaction, with student satisfaction at the University overall rising to 86%, above the national average.

In August, University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) Academic Manager Paula Shaw received a National Teaching Fellowship – the most prestigious individual award in higher education – in recognition of her outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession.

And Dr Ian Turner, Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching at the University, was shortlisted in the ‘Most Innovative Teacher of the Year’ category for the 14th annual Times Higher Education Awards 2018. The award ceremony takes place in November.

Those successes followed the Teaching Excellence Framework Gold Award from the Higher Education Funding Council in 2017, which puts the University of Derby in the top 20 per cent of all providers in the UK.

This year’s Times and Sunday Times league table also puts student experience at the University of Derby at number 40, up from 55th last year. Overall, the University was ranked 75th, up from 81st in last year’s table – its highest ever overall ranking in the Times and Sunday Times league table.

Professor Mitchell added: “The importance of the student experience of Derby is inextricably linked to outcomes, and we have worked hard with our student body to ensure that they have a greater voice in the way the university is run, as well as investing in new accommodation and facilities.

“Our vision is for Derby to be recognised as an inclusive university, providing the knowledge, experience and support that give our students the skills and confidence to achieve what they are capable of.”

Read more about the University of Derby’s Chesterfield campus, St Helena, by clicking here.

University of Derby 13th teaching quality

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Manufacturing

First tenants move into the University of Derby’s Innovation Centre in Chesterfield

The first business has taken up residence at the University of Derby’s new Innovation Centre, a hub of six high-specification units based in Chesterfield, designed to support manufacturing and medical engineering companies in the area.

Kakou Technologies, run by husband and wife team Ann Fomukong-Boden and Mark Boden, design and manufacture products that aim to identify and remove barriers that exclude people with disabilities from accessing mainstream participation in music and the creative arts.

Their products include features that are accessible without the need for special adaptations, and the company also provides full product design and R&D engineering consultancy to other companies and individuals, both locally and internationally.

The company had been based at their home in Chesterfield before moving to the Innovation Centre, which allows small businesses to incubate new ideas, increase their growth and develop new products by creating a stimulating environment for innovation, learning and problem-solving. A workshop facility offers support for design prototyping and materials analysis and testing, with a focus on sustainability.

Managing Director Ann said:-

“As a business we believe in collaboration, so were impressed by the opportunities the Innovation Centre provides to be part of a like-minded community and are excited to see who will move in next. We are delighted with the support provided by the Centre and by commercial manager Laura Williams. She advised us on the funding and networking opportunities available to us, which have really helped our business move to the next level.

“Our aim at Kakou is to be more efficient, low-energy and sustainable, using recyclable materials wherever possible. We have been able to link in with research teams from the University’s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering to investigate the environmental impact of our products and look into working with new materials.”

The Innovation Centre is part of the University of Derby’s wider commitment to working collaboratively with businesses, sharing expertise with innovation and sustainability in mind.

It is one of three tailored business support hubs which match small businesses with opportunities to access space, expertise, advice, funding, facilities and talent to help them grow. New businesses can pay stepped rental charges and get a range of business support services to set them on their way.

For more information click here or to register your interest in the Chesterfield business units, email chesterfield@derby.ac.uk or call 0800 001 55 00.

Innovation Centre Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Manufacturing

University of Derby drives innovation forward with two key leadership appointments

The University of Derby has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of two new Pro Vice-Chancellor Deans.

Dr Warren Manning, who recently spoke at the Made in Chesterfield launch at Barrow Hill Roundhouse,  has joined the College of Engineering and Technology from De Montfort University where he was Pro Vice-Chancellor, Dean for the Faculty of Business and Law.

Professor Keith McLay has been appointed to the College of Arts, Humanities and Education at the University following nearly four years as Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Humanities at Canterbury Christ Church University.

In their new roles, Dr Manning and Professor McLay will be leading the University’s ambitious plans for the Colleges, responding to the needs of the government’s industrial strategy by forging close links with industry and helping to boost regional growth.

Dr Manning said:-

“My vision is to bring the College to industry, and industry to the College. I want to continue to grow our strong ethos of getting students learning on site and this year we launch three new apprenticeships in Aerospace, Civil Engineering and Cyber Security.

“Our desire to work with local businesses through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships is also clear. We are currently working with Bombardier on a project to address the future of rail in Derby, and we start an ERDF funded project with several local SME’s this year to provide technical support to transport engineering and manufacturing businesses.”

Professor McLay explained:-

“I see my role as one of creating context, environment and opportunity for colleagues and students to flourish and embody professional and personal pride as the University.

“The College will enhance its excellence in delivering engaging, innovative and applied degree programmes, underpinned by active research agendas. Our aim is to give students the opportunity of work based, experiential learning and industry links, so they possess the skill-set, and crucially the experience, to be demonstrably employer-ready.

“To this end, the College will be firmly located within, and working in partnership with, the local cultural, artistic and educational communities, and from these local collaborations and relationships will open up the global and international experience for students.”

Graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Salford University and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Leeds University, Dr Manning has previously led departments in Engineering and Sustainable Development.

His appointment will be beneficial for Chesterfield in terms of driving forward the Made in Chesterfield scheme, a festival that celebrates the manufacturing industry in the town.

A doctoral graduate from the Scottish Centre for War Studies at the University of Glasgow, Professor McLay also brings with him his experience as Lecturer and Senior Lecturer in Early Modern History, and Head of the Department of History & Archaeology, at the University of Chester.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said:-

“Dr Warren Manning and Professor Keith McLay have specialist expertise in engineering and humanities respectively. Their knowledge and understanding of applied teaching and learning will be instrumental in supporting and enhancing the local and regional economy. They are both excellent leaders who bring very distinct skills to their roles, and their commitment to driving innovation and transformation will make a significant impact on our students, the University and wider business community.”

leadership

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Manufacturing

Dronfield students get hands-on at NLT for Made in Chesterfield

Pupils from schools throughout North Derbyshire have taken their first steps to a potential career in engineering at Brimington-based NLT Training Services.

The engineering training provider hosted groups of Year 10 and 11 students at its workshops recently as part of the annual Made in Chesterfield festival organised by Destination Chesterfield.

As part of a packed schools programme, Year 10 and 11 students from Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School spent time at NLT Training Services in Brimington getting hands-on designing and producing metal poppies, using the cutting and welding tools.

The month-long celebration of engineering and manufacturing is held each year and is designed to showcase the sector to young people, making them aware of the employment and training possibilities and inspiring the next generation of engineers.

Attending the event, Liam Anstey-Ainsworth, a Year 10 student at Dronfield Henry Fanshawe, explained:-

“I already knew I wanted to go into a trade when I leave school. I prefer being hands-on to being in a classroom. I enjoyed being at NLT and, making. It’s opened my eyes to what’s available when I leave school, especially apprenticeships and the different trades that are available.”

Ronan Moorhouse, a Year 11 student added:-

“I’ve already applied to do travel and tourism at college, but NLT was really fun. It was practical and different to anything I’d done before. Metalwork was new to me, and it was great to create something we could take away. It was good to learn more about Apprenticeships too, I know now I’d definitely look at a degree level apprenticeship if they’re available in the right sector.”

Reece Jepson, a Year 10 pupil, said:-

“I was already interested in engineering before coming to NLT, so it was really cool to do plasma cutting and welding. The actual production of something is really rewarding. I think the most interesting thing about engineering is that you’re always learning new things, staying on top of technology. I knew a bit about apprenticeships before coming here but didn’t know we had an engineering apprenticeship specialist in Chesterfield, so that’s perfect for me.”

Praising the event, Mrs Jane Tattersall – a teacher at Dronfield Henry Fanshawe School who accompanied the students commented:-

“We’ve seen the pupils’ confidence grow in just one day. They got to see working materials, and take part in some fun, interesting practical work. This shows them career opportunities that most of them hadn’t considered before. We’ve talked about Apprenticeships too, which I think is very important.”

Around 20 businesses, training providers and visitor attractions within the sector have come together to offer a packed programme of events to nearly 350 Year 6 to 13 school children during Made in Chesterfield.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield and Derbyshire Education Business Partnership, the month-long festival in November is designed to show young people and their teachers the modern face of manufacturing and engineering and the many careers and job roles on offer within the sector locally.

Sponsored by University of Derby and MSE Hiller, more manufacturing and engineering businesses, training providers and visitor attractions are involved in this year’s Made in Chesterfield than ever before. As well as NLT, modern-day gift maker Urban Flamingo, Paul Mossman Pottery, Brampton Brewery, Penny Hydraulics, Techman Engineering and MSE Hiller were amongst more than 20 businesses and training providers that have provided tours, talks and competitions during Made in Chesterfield to nearly 350 Year 6 to 13 school children.

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager commented:-

“Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager commented: “Made in Chesterfield is playing a key role in sparking young people’s interest with the sector and ultimately helping local business secure contracts in the future.

“Hands-on opportunities such as taster days at NLT give students the chance to see the many and varied job roles there are within engineering and manufacturing and how important they are to the future success of our town.”.

To find out more about Made in Chesterfield 2017’s school events, tours and workshops, please visit www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/school-events-secondary-schools/ or contact Dominic Stevens on 01246 207 207 or email dom.stevens@chesterfield.co.uk

potential career in engineering

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Manufacturing