People looking to take the next steps in their career are being invited to meet employers and find out about local job vacancies at a recruitment event in Chesterfield Town Centre.
The recruitment day – which is the latest in a series of other successful events run by Chesterfield Borough Council and partners – takes place on Wednesday 22 March between 10am and 12pm, in Chesterfield market place.
Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I’m proud that as a council we have continued to host these events with our partners, and they have to date led to more than 200 job offers with around 100 people securing new careers in our area.
“It helps job seekers and employers to meet informally and discuss available roles before an application. If you’re looking for a new job in Chesterfield, then please do head along to this event and speak to some of the great businesses based in our area.”
Paul Munday, Employer Adviser at DWP Jobcentre Plus Derbyshire, said: “Having first run one of these events in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council back in 2021 it’s a testament to their success and positive feedback that on Wednesday 22 March that we are running our fifth event.
“As with our last event held in October 2022, we will be focusing on sustainable employment opportunities and health and wellbeing support for Chesterfield residents, as well as offering support and information around the latest Government initiatives of supporting the over 50s into work and In Work Progression for those already in part time employment.”
The drop-in event is open to everyone, with no need to make an appointment, but job seekers registered with Jobcentre Plus can reserve their place by speaking with their work coach.
There will be lots of opportunities available on the day from a range of sectors including hospitality, social care, engineering, logistics, transport and many more.
The event is free for local businesses to attend and advertise vacancies, if you wish to have a stall at the event please email: chimene.cutler@dwp.gov.uk
Chesterfield hot tub manufacturer, Superior Wellness has revealed its new range of products has received an impressive sustainability certification.
The firm’s Platinum Spas Deluxe hot tubs, which were launched in Janaury, have been CEC tested, showing the company’s commitment to being more energy efficient.
The CEC – or California Energy Commission is the only third-party accreditation organisation recognised by the spa and hot tub industry.
With five models in the range all now boasting premium features and upgrades – introducing the Tahiti, Refresh, Happy, Palma and the brand new all seater Seville.
Gareth Ward, Sales Director said: “We are delighted that the new range is CEC certified. The Deluxe range now includes the award-winning energy efficient insulation Platinum Premium Shield. This is designed by the Superior Heatlock Insulation Process which provides a considerable difference in the heat retained in the hot tub as well as a reduction in energy costs.
“With a focus on innovation, the latest technology and an abundance of features, the new range includes a number of improvements.”
The hot tub cover is now fabric instead of vinyl. The overall thickness of the cover has been increased providing greater insulation and creating energy savings. The circulation pump has also been upgraded to a much quieter and more energy efficient version, which again shows the company’s commitment to improving the overall efficiency for customers.
Gareth Ward added: “We are very excited about the launch of the new Deluxe range. We always listen to feedback from our customers and partner network to help inform our decisions on innovation.”
Chesterfield Borough Council recently approved it’s new Climate Strategy for the town, which reaffirms its ambitions to become a net-zero borough by 2050. The new strategy will direct how the council works with industry in the future, ensuring sustainability and climate change a central theme of everything it does.
Superior Wellness supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
A Chesterfield skills provider is launching a series of skills workshops, aimed at encouraging more people in the town to take up an apprenticeship.
The ‘Get Apprenticeship Ready’ course, being launched by DBC Training will prepare people for the world of work, by helping residents with a range of topics to boost their confidence when applying for roles.
This includes providing details on how to write a stand-out CV, cover letter and application. The training also includes advice on how to perform well in interviews and in the workplace.
The two-day course, taking place on 23rd and 24th March, can be delivered at one of the company’s training centres, and can also be provided remotely.
Commenting on the initiative, Lewis Silcock, Learner Engagement Officer at DBC Training said: “It is SO important to get more young people into apprenticeships, but a lot of young people don’t have all the information to make the right choice for them.
“The skills and experience a young person will gain from doing an apprenticeship will really prepare them for their future career, plus the increase in a young, skilled workforce will benefit local employers massively as they’ll gain a hard working, knowledgeable young person, full of fresh, new ideas, who has been exposed to the workplace early on in their life.
“They will know what it means to have responsibility and will be keen to showcase their skills to their employer. The more skilled young people we have, the more the local area will thrive and motivate the next generation of would be apprentices.”
“There are over 600 apprenticeship standards at all different levels, so there really is an apprenticeship for everyone.”
Chesterfield is the first town in the UK to declare itself an Apprentice Town – demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy by retaining and developing young talent in the town in order to attract more employers to invest here.
Apprentice Town aims to increase the number, levels and quality of apprenticeships available by raising awareness of apprenticeship opportunities in Chesterfield including traineeships, higher Level Apprenticeships and align these with opportunities emerging in the local economy.
In addition, DBC Training is also carrying out a course aimed at helping people in Chesterfield from a wide variety of backgrounds to boost their mathematics and money saving skills. Multiply will be running later this month, from 13th-16th March.
Lewis added: “The course’s focus is to assist people in saving money from bills to their regular food shop. It will also support people in becoming more energy efficient also helping to save on cost of energy bills with energy efficient cooking methods.
“Multiply also offer insights in hidden labour and jobs markets, tools and services to help you find employment.In addition to this it offers help to improve everyday maths skills which you can apply to various aspects of day to day life. IN the current climate I really believe we can help benefit local people in and around chesterfield.
DBC Training supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Are you searching for job opportunities? Whether it be a part time or full time role, a career in hospitality, leisure and tourism can help you develop skills for life.
A career in the sector is exciting due to the diverse range of job roles. You could find yourself working in events, food services, accommodation, entertainment, tourist services and more. Whatever area you choose, there are plenty of roles to choose from, along with career progression opportunities.
There’s no better way to learn about the skills developed working in the sector, than straight from the individuals that work in hospitality, leisure and tourism.
What’s it like working in hospitality?
With Chesterfield being an ideal base to visit the Peak District, the town is home to many hospitality venues.
Meet Matthew Clark, Conference Events Co-ordinator at Chesterfield’s Casa Hotel. He demonstrates how quickly you can progress in the industry. Matthew first had a taste of working in hospitality whilst completing his work experience at school in a large chain hotel – the same place he worked his first full time role.
Matthew said: “I left school and returned to the hotel, this time as a full time receptionist. I quickly learnt the ropes and progressed to a supervisory position. Being front facing and having that guest interaction daily was a part of the job that I loved. However, I was ready to ‘fly the nest’ and move onto an exciting challenge to push my career forward. This is when I found Casa and a new opportunity.
“I joined the Casa team in 2021 as a reservations co-ordinator. This helped me gain further knowledge of the hotel system as well as reservations and revenue. Whilst in this role I also began to assist our Events Co-ordinators in booking small meeting rooms and functions. This again sparked another interest of mine!
“Fast forward to now, I am a Conference and Events Co-ordinator here at Casa, planning events for up to 200 people from conferences and corporate dinners, to milestone family functions. My interest in hospitality was planted by the idea of guest happiness, and I now organise our clients’ great occasions with their satisfaction at the heart of what I do. What better way to be a part of our guests’ journey than planning their special event!”
Is there progression opportunities in hospitality?
Charlotte Brook is HR Officer at DoubleTree by Hilton Sheffield Park, she demonstrates how you can progress your career with transferable skills. She explained: “Working in the hospitality industry over the years has given me so much job satisfaction. Every day is different, whether it be running a wedding or celebrating a guests special birthday. I have learnt many transferable skills that have helped in every position I have held in my hospitality career. One of the highlights of my learning was a trip to Malaga, Spain to learn how to be a Hilton Trainer, something I will never forget!
“As a result of the transferable skills learnt during my management roles, I progressed into a HR officer position. The progression opportunities in hospitality are endless and I would recommend anyone thinking about joining the industry to give it a go. You never know where it will take you and the opportunities that may arise.”
What’s it like working in leisure?
Leisure is all about what people like to do and experience in their free time. Chesterfield’s event and festival programme helps to attract people to spend their leisure time here in Chesterfield, and one of the annual favourites is the Tapton Lock Festival, which is organised by Junction Arts.
Martha Bramwell started working at Junction Arts as a part-time intern, before progressing to Projects Assistant through an apprenticeship. She said: “I always knew I wanted to work in the community arts and leisure sector. I love working on projects such as the Tapton Lock Festival, as it brings together the amazing people that make up our Chesterfield community.”
Martha’s apprenticeship has allowed her to gain hands-on experience and an advanced education without going to university. She explained: “My time at Junction Arts will provide me the skills and experience to build a lifelong career.
“Every day I feel motivated. I’m excited to come to work and learn something new every day, knowing the work I do helps to create change in my local community. I couldn’t wish for a better team – I feel supported and guided in all aspects of my work. Once I have completed my apprenticeship, I will be continuing my work at Junction Arts as a project assistant.”
Gain experience and skills for life
Working in hospitality, leisure and tourism can help develop your career not only in these sectors but also other industries. We spoke to two local apprentices who demonstrate just that.
Jake Taylor worked as a chef for 5 years before becoming a Level 3 Digital Support Technician at Addooco IT. He said: “Working as a chef provided me with key communication and timing skills. My ability to carry out jobs quickly and efficiently has aided me in my new job.
“Every day is a learning day at Addooco and the natural curiosity that comes with the territory of being a chef is something that I hope will push me into a big future within the company and industry.”
Ria Smith worked as a waitress prior to completing her Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship at Peak Pharmacy. She explained: During my time as a waitress I developed key transferable skills which have helped me within my new career in many ways; I have completed my apprenticeship in 12 months, rather than 18 and I am given more responsibility.
Having completed my apprenticeship, I have progressed within Peak Pharmacy and been enrolled on another course which I can then build on in the future.”
Fancy working in hospitality, leisure and tourism?
You can develop skills for life in hospitality, leisure and tourism and they can help to progress your career, either within the sector or a different industry. The leisure and tourism offering in Chesterfield means there are many career opportunities available.
An ambitious plan which sets out a long-term vision for economic growth – including a focus on quality jobs for local people, access to higher level skills, and environmental sustainability – has been approved by Chesterfield Borough Council.
The new four-year Growth strategy (2023 – 2027) represents a long-term commitment from the council to make Chesterfield a thriving borough by strengthening local skills provision, supporting local businesses and further cementing Chesterfield’s role as a visitor destination.
It builds on the success of the last decade which has seen the creation of more than 2000 new jobs and more than 500 new businesses operating in the area, along with significant regeneration and investment across the borough.
The strategy – which was approved at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday 22 February – also has environmental sustainability at its heart, supporting the target of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This strategy is vital to ensuring our borough remains a thriving place to live and work, where everyone has the opportunity to boost their skills, and has access to quality jobs.
“It’s also crucial that we build environmental considerations into our long-term plans, as part of our ongoing commitment to create a sustainable borough for future generations and ensuring we do all we can to reduce carbon emissions.
“The plan builds on our successes over the last ten years including the creation of more than 2000 jobs, and with over 500 new businesses operating in the area.”
The strategy includes five key objectives, which are:
Help businesses to grow and secure new business investment in the borough.
Build a competitive place infrastructure that accelerates employment and housing growth.
Strengthen the distinctive character and vibrancy of our town centres
Develop Chesterfield’s role as a visitor destination and as a base for exploring the surrounding area.
Ensure local people have the right skills to support progression in the labour market and benefit from future employment opportunities.
Councillor Gilby added: “Despite the ongoing economic challenges which are facing towns and cities across the country, Chesterfield is not standing still – we are an ambitious borough and this strategy reflects that. It focusses on higher value growth while balancing our commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.”
Within each of the strategy’s objectives, several key activities have been developed. For example, to help encourage growth the current Innovation Support Programme will continue to run for the benefit of local businesses.
Projects like the Derbyshire Rail Investment Vehicle (DRIIVe) and Construction Skills Hub – both of which are being funded through the Staveley Town Deal – will help deliver new training facilities to ensure local people can develop the skills to access high quality careers.
The Student Nursing Times Awards is the largest student and nurse education awards in the country, and will take place at the end of April.
It recognises the work of individual student nurses, and the organisations and groups that help them excel. The finalists have been named, and now have to present to the judges to see who will be named the winner at the awards in Mayfair, London.
DVA’s Community Chesterfield project won the award last year, and the team is hoping to retain the title in 2023.
The partnership between Derbyshire Voluntary Action and the University of Derby is a great example of how charity organisations and universities can come together to have a positive impact on healthcare.
Daniel Jones, Marketing and Communications Officer at DVA commented: “Our partnership project being recognised as a finalist in the upcoming Student Nursing Times Awards is a testament to its success. We hope to impress the judges next month to win for the second year running.”
The collaboration between the two organisations has enabled nursing students to gain access to free training, placements, events, and opportunities to meet and network with community groups and experts, giving them invaluable experience in the healthcare sector. The university’s support for the charity’s work has also helped to strengthen relationships within the local community, helping to provide essential resources to community groups throughout Derbyshire.
This partnership is an inspiring example of how university-charity connections can have a meaningful impact on healthcare education as well as the ability to prepare future healthcare professionals for success.
Derbyshire Voluntary Action and the University of Derby support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Students in the Art and Design Faculty at Chesterfield College are using Chesterfield Museum’s collections as part of a new project for the spring term.
On Friday 3 February the museum team took a beautiful example of a traditional celebratory ‘Posset Pot’ into the college for students to study and then use as an object of inspiration for their own work during the next term.
Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It’s fantastic to see our museum team working closely with Chesterfield College. Whilst the Museum remains closed for a multi-million-pound renovation it’s important that we work with our partners and explore alternative routes to help ensure local people can connect with our shared history.”
Dating back as far as the 1400s, Posset Pots were a traditional decorative ceramic to celebrate special occasions.
Posset, a popular hot spiced drink made of milk curdled with wine or ale, was shared between guests and everyone drank from the Posset Pot. It was brought out at Christmas or anniversaries, but most often the Posset Pot would be used at the celebration toast of weddings, which is why most of the examples in the Museum’s collection are decorated with the names of the happy couple.
Tracey Heyes, Art and Design Lecturer at Chesterfield College, said: “The students are looking forward to working with Chesterfield Museum in this capacity and are excited at the prospect of using the Posset Pot as a starting point for their individual projects.”
Chesterfield Museum is closed for a multi-million-pound renovation that aims to create an enhanced visitor experience, but whilst it is closed the museum team are working with partners ensure the collection can still be enjoyed by the community.
Outreach cases featuring some fascinating objects from the collection are being displayed at different Borough Council sites around the borough (Visitor Information Centre, Market Hall, Town Hall, Queen’s Park Sports Centre and Staveley Healthy Living Centre). The museum team will also be attending and hosting activities at public events happening throughout the year and is working with partners, including Chesterfield College, to present exhibitions, workshops, and events in the future.
The ambitious renovation of Stephenson Memorial Hall which houses both Chesterfield Museum and the Pomegranate Theatre will bring together an extended theatre, a reconfigured museum, new gallery space, a café bar, and education and community facilities. The work will also protect the Grade II listed building, improve accessibility, to ensure that it remains part of the borough’s heritage for many more generations to come.
Funding for the project has been secured through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund with additional funding from Arts Council England.
This was evidenced recently at the town’s Employability and Skills Conference, which saw more than a hundred delegates discuss the current skills landscape in the town.
At the conference, Andrew Byrne, Property Development Director at the Devonshire Group updated attendees on the exciting Construction Skills Hub, which is set to be developed in Mastin Moor.
The hub will provide a live learning environment for apprentices in the town, in order to help them gain vital skills and experience, helping people in Chesterfield build strong careers in the property and construction sector.
In the East Midlands, an extra 17,500 construction workers will be needed from 2023-2027, an annual requirement of 3,500 new workers every year.
We spoke to Andrew at the conference to get his thoughts on the current skills landscape across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, and how local organisations are working to meet the demand.
We’ve heard in recent times a lot about skills shortages in the property and construction sector. To what extent is this affecting the industry?
“One of the problems the property and construction sector faces at the moment, is that its workforce is getting older. We need to begin bringing in the next generation.
“The next generation can help us contribute towards solving the housing crisis, delivering the employment and industrial growth that we want to see in the country, and helping to deliver the physical, social and green infrastructure needed to help us meet that key target of net-zero by 2050.”
What can Chesterfield and North Derbyshire firms do to bring more skilled and talented people into their companies?
“We’ve been here at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Skills and Employability Conference today (Wednesday, 8th February), hearing from both the education sector and industry about the skills that are needed.
“My key message for people in industry and the property and construction sector, is to get involved!
“It is incumbent on us to actually make a difference, get involved and encourage people into what we do. We should be proud of it.”
For a young person, how rewarding can a career in the property and construction sector be?
“I absolutely love the business that I’m in and I love the property and construction sector. The people I meet, the problems I solve, and the fact that I’m part of teams that build the places that we live, work and play in.
“To come away from a project and know that you were actually a part of it, and that project is going to be there for years to come is a great feeling.”
Tell us about the partnership working taking place locally to encourage the growth of skills in the property and construction sectors.
“You’ll have heard a lot about the work that we’re doing as part of the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group.
In the forum, we launched a pilot scheme for women in construction. That is a mentoring scheme where women who are already in the property and construction business, have been mentoring pupils in years 10 and 11 across local schools in Chesterfield.
The second way we’ve been making a difference is the work we have been doing with Parkside School. Members from the Chesterfield Property and Construction Group have been into the school, carrying out a speed networking session with the pupils to show them the range of careers and projects that we get involved in. We answered some of their questions and tried to light that spark so that they take more of an interest in what we do.
I’d also like to refer to the Construction Skills Hub that we’ve been working to deliver with Chesterfield College, Chesterfield Borough Council and the University of Derby. This will be delivered on-site at Mastin Moor across the course of 2023.
New apprentices will be able to learn the skills that the industry needs at the moment, alongside what the industry is going to need in the future to hit those net-zero targets.”
With a range of regeneration projects taking place in Chesterfield currently, do you feel it’s an exciting time to get into the profession?
“The sector is always exciting, but it is particularly exciting in Chesterfield at the moment because there is so much going on.
There is an awful lot going on in Chesterfield at the moment, so it really is a great time. What I would say though, is that it is always a great time to be getting involved in the industry.
If you’re not building it, you’re usually planning for it or trying to solve the problems that make it happen, so the key thing is to get involved!”
Chesterfield is the first town in the UK to declare itself an Apprentice Town – demonstrating its commitment to growing the future and careers of young people alongside business and the economy by retaining and developing young talent in the town in order to attract more employers to invest here.
Chesterfield College has announced it has received a ‘good’ rating by education inspector OFSTED, following an inspection in late 2022.
The college was found to be ‘Good’ across all eight key areas of the key areas of inspection, and also received the highest possible rating for its contribution to meeting skills needs. Inspectors praised the college’s ‘highly responsive’ approach to the ‘changing needs of the local community’.
Julie Richards, Principal and CEO at Chesterfield College, said: “We are delighted to achieve such a positive Ofsted inspection which is testament to the remarkable staff and students at Chesterfield College.”
“We are particularly pleased to achieve the highest judgement for our contribution to the skills agenda, one of only a handful of providers to be recognised for this across the UK.”
“This demonstrates the college’s ability to support our local businesses and communities to grow and prosper and confirms the positive relationships we have fostered to address the skills needs for the future.”
In the report, OFSTED praised learners at the college, stating:
“Students’ work shows strong critical analysis skills and the ability to understand and analyse complex information.”
“Students demonstrate high levels of empathy and maturity in their practical work.”
“Many volunteer in valuable community activities. For example, students participate in a clothes swap that promotes sustainability and design clothes with school children that promote inclusivity.”
“Students explore each other’s opinions respectfully and can link British values to their subject.”
On standards of teaching at the college, OFSTED commented:
“Teachers set clear expectations for students’ behaviour. Classrooms are calm and productive environments.”
“Teachers plan the curriculum effectively to gradually develop students’ and apprentices’ underpinning knowledge and skills”
“They use a variety of appropriate activities, provide clear explanations and design good-quality resources. Teachers make good links between theory and practical activities.”
“Teachers prepare apprentices well for their final assessments.”
“Teachers provide students with good-quality written or spoken feedback. Students understand their strengths and how to improve their work.”
“They benefit from a range of opportunities to keep their subject-specific knowledge and skills up to date, such as on-site visits and shadowing activities in industry. They use this experience to enhance the curriculum for students and apprentices. For example, carpentry and joinery teachers receive training on sustainable kitchen fitting and share this with students.”
OFSTED also recognised the college’s contribution to meeting skills needs:
“The college makes a strong contribution to meeting skills needs.”
“Leaders understand very well how they contribute to meeting the skills needs of the local and regional area. They establish several highly beneficial partnerships with relevant stakeholders to support economic recovery and regeneration.”
“Leaders and managers involve employers and universities very effectively in curriculum design and implementation.”
“Leaders are very proactive in seeking advice on new sector developments and the latest industry standards. They make good use of funding to update premises and purchase industry-standard equipment and resources to meet future skills needs. This equips students very well with the skills they need for their future careers.”
“Leaders are highly responsive to the changing needs of the local community, which is rightly valued by their partners. For example, managers quickly adapted the ESOL curriculum as a direct response to the growth of Ukrainian refugees in the area.”
On the support offered to learners, OFSTED said:
“Students and apprentices highly value the support and encouragement they receive from staff. Learning, engagement, achievement and progress (LEAP) mentors have a very positive impact on students. They help them to develop useful strategies to manage their physical and mental health.”
“Students and apprentices feel safe at college or at work. They have access to a wellbeing hub, where they can receive specialist advice and support. Staff are vigilant, and students and apprentices are confident that any concerns that they raise will be dealt with effectively by staff.”
“Students, including those with high needs, have access to a wide range of clubs and societies”
“Students with additional needs are identified quickly, and appropriate support is put in place to meet their needs. Teachers support students with special educational needs and/or disabilities who move from pathway courses into vocational courses well. They ensure learning support staff are consistent and that any ongoing support strategies are understood by teachers.”
“Managers ensure that students and apprentices have access to a wide range of help and support. They work well with local agencies and charities to provide this. Where referrals are made, staff record these in detail and take timely and appropriate actions to support students. The safeguarding team is diligent, reflecting on and developing approaches to supporting students and apprentices.”
In terms of progression and employment for srudents at the Chesterfield College, OFSTED noted:
“Young people set career goals and plan how to achieve them. Apprentices often secure permanent roles following their studies. Adults develop valuable life skills or gain qualifications to help them progress to higher education. Students with high needs have clear progression routes to develop their independence or gain employment.”
“Leaders and managers plan the curriculum with a strong focus on progression and employment. For example, there are clear progression routes from entry level pathway courses to vocational courses. Students are well prepared to make the transition because of the subject taster sessions they complete.”
“Young people benefit from good opportunities to undertake a range of work-related activities. This includes work experience, guest lecturers, work-related projects and visits and trips. Students with high needs, who study vocational courses, benefit from these high-quality opportunities.”
“Careers staff work very closely with curriculum teams to help students, adults, apprentices and students with high needs understand the potential routes available to them.”
Chesterfield College supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Becoming an apprentice offers many benefits to help progress your career in a chosen sector.
What better way to learn about apprenticeships than straight from local apprentices? We spoke to the following individuals to find out why they became an apprentice and how it’s benefitting their career. They also share some top tips around becoming an apprentice.
“In school I was introduced to apprenticeships. I just knew it was something I wanted to do. I wasn’t interested in going to college, sixth form or university. I think most people who take on an apprenticeship would agree, they would rather get out there and start learning in more ways than just being taught in a classroom.”
Lewis’s advice…
Keep working hard, the end result will be worth it!
“I decided university wasn’t for me so explored apprenticeships within the marketing field online. I thought an apprenticeship would be a smooth way to change career, gain a qualification and experience whilst being paid.”
Elicia’s advice…
Make sure the apprenticeship is within a field you have a genuine passion for and enjoy.
“I am enjoying developing my knowledge in accountancy and as a result getting more responsibility. My apprenticeship has allowed me to be able to run payrolls for clients and also get certified on three of the main bookkeeping systems used by the company. I am already adding value to the business.”
Henry’s advice…
It’s a great way of continuing to learn in a field without having to go to university and, unlike a normal college course, you are earning a wage while you learn.
“I have severe dyslexia and struggled at school so had to look at other ways I could stand out on my CV. My parents and school encouraged me to look at different ways I could achieve my career ambitions and an apprenticeship, which combined on-the-job learning with assessment, enabled that.”
“I was a chef for five years after leaving school. I fell into it from washing pots in the kitchen. Lockdown came and I realised I wanted a change of career, something which I could be more interested in and passionate about. An apprenticeship gave me the ability to change career but also get a qualification along the way to support me in a long-term career in the IT sector.”
Jake’s advice…
Do it! There’s an apprenticeship in every field you can imagine and to be able to earn alongside learning is a great benefit.
“Progression is really important to me, and my employer recognises this so has offered me more opportunities to learn. I was assigned the new uniform distribution to over 1500 staff. I love it. It’s all down to me, the ordering, distribution, etc. Moving up within Peak Pharmacy is what it’s all about for me.”
Ria’s advice…
Go for it! Having the chance to get first-hand experience on the job while getting a qualification is an amazing opportunity and can really help set off your career in the right direction.
“My apprenticeship has gone beyond my expectations. I never thought I’d have the relationships I do have in the workplace. They not only make each day more enjoyable, but you can learn from the people around you.”
Nathan’s advice…
If you choose an apprenticeship, don’t just go in and do your job, listen to your colleagues, because they have already been in that career for a long time so they have made mistakes and gone through failure but that means they have learned and developed. This will help you more than any book, video or piece of college work.
8. Age is no barrier to an apprenticeship
Meet Wendy Blunt, Level 3 Community Health and Wellbeing Worker at Chesterfield Borough Council. Despite having an already established career, Wendy used an apprenticeship to gain qualifications within her current role in a cost-effective way, proving that age is no barrier to an apprenticeship. She said:
“I’d been looking for relevant courses for quite a few years to accompany my role but never found anything suitable or, if I did, they were very expensive. My manager and HR found this apprenticeship. It was the cheapest way to get a new qualification or do a relevant course.”
Wendy’s advice…
Make sure it’s what you want to do and that the subject matter is relevant to your role. Also make sure that you’ll have time to be able to complete the assignments.
9. Gain experience in the field
Emma Catley, Degree Apprentice Quantity Surveyor at Woodall Homes, said:
“I chose to do an apprenticeship to learn more about the role of a Quantity Surveyor and hoped it would help me to succeed in my degree. Being in the workplace is allowing me to acquire new skills whilst getting my qualification.”
Emma’s advice…
Get an apprenticeship with the right company; one that allows you to get hands-on experience within your workplace, enables you to gain knowledge from your colleagues and mentor and provides helpful exposure to learn how to get things done in the real world.
“I became an apprentice because I wanted to upskill and learn more about the financial services industry, especially the compliance side of the business. With the support of my directors and tutors, I enjoy the learning element of my apprenticeship which complements my job as a financial services advisor.”
Emily’s advice…
For anyone considering starting an apprenticeship, I’d advise them to make sure that they are passionate about what they will study; it will make learning so much more exciting.
“I began my apprenticeship because I wanted to gain new knowledge and experience in the financial services industry. Completing my apprenticeship alongside my job as a mortgage administrator allows me to actively put into practice new skills whilst in the workplace.”
Abigail’s advice…
If you enjoy learning in depth about something you’re interested in, I’d recommend that you start an apprenticeship.
11. Earn and learn on the job
Ravi is an Apprentice Barber at Less Than Zero Barbers. Learn about his experience as an apprentice by watching the video below.
Chesterfield hot tub manufacturer Superior Wellness has launched a range of new products, which are set to be unveiled at the UK’s leading pool, spa and wellness show today.
The Platinum Spas Deluxe Range boasts premium features and upgrades – introducing the Tahiti, Refresh, Happy, Palma and the brand new all seater Seville.
With a brand-new look and feel the Deluxe range has changed with a more aesthetically pleasing design with the curvature of the acrylic. Designed with comfort in mind the seats are now sculpted and shaped around your body.
For a cleaner look the control panel is now solely located on one side without the distraction of other components and features. Featuring more modern and premium looking side panels complete with an LED Platinum Spas logo the new models are certainly more stylish.
Gareth Ward, Sales Director said: “The Deluxe range now includes the award-winning energy efficient insulation Platinum Premium Shield. This is designed by the Superior Heatlock Insulation Process which provides a considerable difference in the heat retained in the hot tub as well as a reduction in energy costs.
“With a focus on innovation, the latest technology and an abundance of features, the new range includes a number of improvements.”
The jets and diverters have been upgraded promoting a better hydrotherapy massage.
The audio system has also improved with brand new speakers which are located on top of the acrylic rather than on side panels, giving the Deluxe range a more modern look and feel.
The hot tub cover is now fabric instead of vinyl. We’ve also increased the overall thickness of the cover providing greater insulation and creating energy savings.
The new deluxe range has also been CEC tested which shows the commitment to being more energy efficient. The circ pump has also been upgraded to a new circulation pump, which is much quieter and more energy efficient.
Gareth Ward, Sales Director at Superior Wellness: “We are very excited about the launch of the new Deluxe range.
“The Seville hot tub is brand new in the range and an all seater spa. All seater hot tubs are very popular, particularly in the US. They are perfect for families and friends who want to spend time relaxing and enjoying the hot tub together.”
“We always listen to feedback from our customers and partner network to help inform our decisions on innovation.”
The Platinum Spas brand continues to innovate every year with new models being introduced to ensure they offer the very best in technology and design, with a wide choice to suit every budget.
For more information on becoming an authorised Platinum Spas partner or would like to find your nearest Platinum Spas showroom, visit the Platinum Spas website today.
Superior Wellness supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
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