Workplace visits for students
What’s the best way to inspire future talent? Workplace visits for students provide a unique opportunity to showcase the exciting careers available on their doorstep and introduce them to the innovative businesses helping Chesterfield thrive.
Manufacturing and engineering businesses are invited to take part in Made in Chesterfield activity days taking place in autumn 2026.
In 2025, more than 100 young people took part in the first Made in Chesterfield manufacturing activity day, working with six local businesses. Since launching in 2014, Made in Chesterfield has engaged with more than 3,500 students across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.
Schools will be matched with local businesses, with students visiting workplaces in the morning to complete an Innovation Challenge. In the afternoon, all groups will come together at a central venue to present their ideas and take part in a tour of the venue.
Why should your business get involved?
“The challenge is ensuring our young people are aware of the exciting careers available right on their doorstep. Made in Chesterfield helps change that by giving a real insight into local businesses.” Nick Catt, Managing Director, Weightron Bilanciai Ltd
What’s involved?
- Hosting a local school at your site
- Providing a short tour (or a presentation/video if preferred)
- Giving students space to work on an Innovation Challenge
- Attending a showcase event where schools present their projects alongside other participating businesses
Why take part?
- Raise your business profile through regional and national exposure via Made in Chesterfield, Make UK and campaign partners
- Support your local community by engaging with schools and inspiring future talent
- Play a part in helping tackle the skills gap in manufacturing and engineering
Why should your school get involved?
“Made in Chesterfield is a proven way to give our students valuable exposure to local employers. Our young people are the region’s future workforce, and opportunities like this show them that successful careers can be built right here in Chesterfield.” Andrew Knowles, Headteacher, Tupton Hall School
What’s involved?
- Visit a local manufacturing site as a school group
- Take part in a guided tour (or a presentation and video if preferred)
- Support students to work on an Innovation Challenge
- Present student projects at a showcase event alongside other schools and participating businesses
Why take part?
- Give students meaningful exposure to local manufacturing and engineering careers
- Strengthen links between education and industry in your community
- Inspire future talent and help bridge the skills gap in key sectors
- Access engaging, hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom
How do we get involved?
Businesses and schools interested in taking part can register their interest and find out more by contacting: info@chesterfield.co.uk
Thank you to our partners
Made in Chesterfield is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield and delivered with headline partner Chesterfield College, alongside a network of employers, education providers and public sector partners. Together, they help showcase Chesterfield as a leading location for manufacturing and engineering while creating meaningful connections between students and local businesses.
The Made in Chesterfield activity days are led by CBE+ and United Cast Bar, with support from Barrow Hill Roundhouse, Chesterfield Borough Council, North East Derbyshire District Council, Tupton Hall School, Weightron Bilanciai and the Work-wise Foundation. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to skills development, careers education and business growth.
