chesterfield jobs

Dunkin’ Donuts and Taco Bell set to arrive in Chesterfield

Two new food outlets are set to create more jobs in Chesterfield, as plans have been revealed for Dunkin’ Donuts and Taco Bell to move into a vacant unit on a leisure park in the town.

The two eateries will occupy the unit on the Alma Leisure Park, just off the A61 Derby Road near Horns Bridge Roundabout. The unit was previously occupied by Chiquitos, before the national chain went into administration.

The unit will be sub-divided to provide two new restaurants (with takeaway facilities) to be occupied by Dunkin’ and Taco Bell. The proposed use will be a hybrid use as a result of the mixed restaurant/takeaway elements.

Alma Leisure Park already occupies a number of businesses including:

  • Cineworld
  • Nando’s
  • Nuffield Health
  • McDonald’s Drive Thru
  • Frankie & Benny’s

According to a statement by Canada Life Ltd, the company behind the planning application, the re-development of the vacant unit will lead to the creation of 45 new jobs.

The statement said: “The Dunkin’ restaurant (Unit 6A) will generate 15 employee positions (6 full-time and 9 part-time) and the Taco Bell restaurant (Unit 6B) will generate 30 employee positions (12 full-time and 18 part-time).”

Granting the application, Chesterfield Borough Council said in the decision notice: “The Local Planning Authority have during and prior to the consideration of this application engaged in a positive and proactive dialogue with the applicant with regard to the proposed scheme in order to achieve a positive outcome for the application.”

No objections were raised by consultees or members of the public to the planning application.

Centrally located in the UK Chesterfield is superbly connected, has an abundance of new business premises and room to grow. Find out more about investment opportunities in the town here.

Chesterfield has a quiet food revolution happening – with award winning restaurants that are attracting national media recognition, and independent coffee shops and pubs with a belief in local produce. Find out more about eating out in the town.

 

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Starbucks to open new branch in Chesterfield

Major international coffee chain Starbucks is set to open a new branch in Chesterfield.

Plans to open a new drive-through outlet have been approved by Chesterfield Borough Council, in a move which is set to create 25 jobs. Currently the chain has two outlets in the area, situated on the A617 bypass at Heath and near J29a of the M1 on the Markham Vale site.

The site on Meltham Lane, which is owned by Arnold Clark automobiles has sat vacant for a number of years, since Tesco relocated it’s main Chesterfield store to Lockoford Lane more than a decade ago. The new Starbucks outlet will be situated next to the A61, on the site of the former petrol station.

The new development will cover an area of 2,100 square-feet and will also provide parking for 20 vehicles, as well as two disabled bays. Cycle storage for five bicycles is also proposed. One electronic vehicle charging point will be installed, with the capacity to add more in the future.

A statement from the applicant which sits alongside the planning documents said: “The proposals will provide new retail and leisure facilities in the local area and contribute to sustainable economic growth.”

Councillor Dean Collins, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “The development of these new business premises is welcome news, it regenerates a disused site, will create more jobs for local people and provides another facility for local residents to enjoy. I wish them every success in bringing this development forward.”

Through a range of significant regeneration and redevelopment underway across the town, Chesterfield is building on its industrial roots and market town heritage to become a contemporary destination with a prosperous future. Find out more about some of the major developments taking place across our town here. 

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Three local young people kickstart their career in recruitment at Edwards Employment Solutions

Three young people have had their careers in Chesterfield’s recruitment sector kickstarted by Edwards Employment Solutions.

Adam Chapman (25) from Dronfield and Tia Lowe-Fowler (23) from Eckington have joined Edwards Employment Solutions through the Kickstart Scheme as Recruitment Co-ordinators, while Ellie Hartshorn (27) from Chesterfield has joined the business as an apprentice.

The Kickstart Scheme was launched last summer by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, with the aim of creating six-month paid work placements for young people who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

Izabella Edwards, Managing Director of Edwards Employment Solutions explained: “As soon as I heard about the Kickstart scheme I was keen to use it to bring young people into the business and give them a step into the recruitment sector.”

She added: “It has been an incredibly challenging time for many employers and the Kickstart scheme is a really brilliant incentive to support young, local people at risk of not being able to get back into work any time soon because of the pandemic.”

Both Adam and Tia bring a wide range of experience across a variety of sectors to their new roles at Edwards Employment Solutions, where they will be helping match candidates and employers.

It was a previous tennis coaching position at Beauchief Tennis Club, that initially introduced Adam to a customer/client facing role and ignited his interest.

He said: “I’ve always enjoyed helping people and, with this role, you have the ability to make a really big impact on someone’s life by helping them find the right job. I’m really excited to start working with the Edwards team and put my people skills to use.”

Like Adam, Tia has also held a number of customer-facing jobs, including one as a dog groomer. She said: “I’ve enjoyed a number of roles from bar work to dog grooming but really wanted a career change. The position with Edwards really appealed to me as I wanted more of a commercial role. I am keen to provide great customer service and help effectively match candidates and employers.”

Ellie Hartshorn joins the business alongside Adam and Tia as an apprentice. With previous roles in nursery and social care, Ellie decided she wanted a complete career change and is now using an apprenticeship to retrain.

She explained: “I was looking into a career change for a while, but I am really passionate about helping people and wanted this to continue, the role with Edwards felt like a perfect fit. I get to work in an office environment yet still talk to people on a daily basis to help them find the right positions for them. It’s a really interesting sector.”

Praising Ellie, Adam and Tia, Izabella said: “Our new starters have already surpassed our expectations!

“I am committed to giving them all the help and support they need to really enjoy and succeed in the recruitment industry. But, more than that, I really want to help Ellie, Adam and Tia to progress at Edwards beyond their training programmes.”

Despite the pandemic, Edwards Employment Solutions has experienced two successful years, helping many key worker industries to find the staff they need.

Established in May 2018, Edwards Employment Solutions has helped thousands of local people secure employment, placing more than 600 people in permanent roles and over 3,000 in weekly assignments, throughout Derbyshire and South Yorkshire.

Anyone interested in exploring a career in recruitment, please email izabella@edwards-employment.co.uk or call on 01246 886 366.

Edwards Employment Solutions 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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Elliot Mather Appoints New LLP Member of Family Department in Chesterfield

Full service law firm Elliot Mather LLP has announced the appointment of a new LLP Member – Ben Lawson – who has joined the company’s Family Law department based at its Head office in Chesterfield.

Ben is a highly experienced Family Solicitor having worked in the legal profession for many years. During his career, he has worked in offices across Derbyshire, whilst also assisting clients across both Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

Ben joins an already exceptional Family Law team at Elliot Mather and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the department. He assists clients with all issues arising from relationship breakdowns, having particular interest in: complex financial matters, child arrangements, nuptial agreements, and high net worth divorces.

Commenting on his recent appointment as Solicitor and LLP Member at Elliot Mather, Ben said: “I am incredibly excited at being given the opportunity to join Elliot Mather as an LLP Member in the Family Department.  The firm has strong roots in Chesterfield and across the East Midlands, with a reputation for quality legal advice and putting client’s first. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Family Department, to assist those experiencing relationship breakdowns.”

Julie Skill, Head of the Family Department and LLP Member said: “We are incredibly lucky to have such talented and dedicated staff working within our Family department, and the arrival of Ben will only strengthen this team. I am very much looking forward to working with Ben .I wish him the best for his future with us at Elliot Mather.”

Elliot Mather is dedicated to ensuring clients receive expert and tailored legal advice. The recent recruitment of Ben demonstrates the desire to deliver an outstanding service from highly knowledgeable legal professionals. The Family Law department now comprises of 11 fee earners able to assist an increased number of clients based locally, regionally, and even nationally.

Elliot Mather LLP 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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Chesterfield College to highlight the importance of apprenticeships at upcoming event

During National Apprenticeship Week (7-11 February) Chesterfield College is inviting people to find out how an apprenticeship can build their future career.

The college is holding an Apprenticeship Careers Fair on Wednesday 9 February, open to the public from 4pm until 6pm at their Infirmary Road campus. The event will give people the chance to explore the benefits of apprenticeships and the range of opportunities available.

A host of local employers who value the role that apprentices play in their workforce will also be at the event. They are keen to meet their future workforce and illustrate how apprenticeships provide a great way to develop skills and a career.

The Chesterfield College Group supports over 3,500 apprentices a year, working with hundreds of employers across a range of industries from care to construction and engineering to education.  Apprenticeships give you the chance to learn and train for a specific job, earn a wage and get hands-on experience.

With plenty of exciting vacancies to choose from, the apprenticeship team from the college will be on hand at the event to offer guidance about the range of options available. They will also offer support throughout the application process.

Leah Shortt, Head of Student & Apprentice Services at Chesterfield College said: “I look forward to welcoming anyone who wants to find out more about apprenticeships to our Apprenticeship Careers Fair. The employers who are joining us are passionate about developing people through apprenticeships. This event gives people a perfect opportunity to chat to them and our experienced apprenticeship team.

“Whether you are a school leaver or you want to explore how apprenticeships can help you start or change your career, this event is for you. Anyone over the age of 16 and living in England can do an apprenticeship. There’s no upper age limit. All you need is a keen interest to build your future.”

Find out more about apprenticeships at Chesterfield College visit https://www.chesterfield.ac.uk/apprenticeships/.

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.

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Made in Chesterfield praised by businesses, schools and pupils

An impact report has revealed that nearly 200 students from North East Derbyshire’s schools got a hands-on taste of manufacturing and engineering careers during the Made in Chesterfield festival in November last year.

Businesses, teachers and pupils have all praised the Made in Chesterfield initiative.

Nick McGowan, assistant headteacher a teacher at Whittington Green School which visited Woodhead Construction’s enterprise centre site, said: “We’ve been teaching construction in the school for the last 15 years and one thing we have always struggled with is access to site so the visit was absolutely brilliant. The visit opened the student’s horizons to the jobs and opportunities within the construction sector.”

In a review of the month-long annual festival undertaken by Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) which coordinated Made in Chesterfield in conjunction with Destination Chesterfield, it also found that there was no demand for virtual school visits, indicating that schools are keen to re-engage face-to-face with the business community despite the pandemic.

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield’s board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the borough, said: “The uptake of the physical workplace tours by schools for Made in Chesterfield was very encouraging given the current climate of uncertainty. There is a very real appetite amongst schools to give young people the widest exposure to careers and job opportunities.”

He added: “It is so important that we highlight the local career and job opportunities to young people as they are an intrinsic part of Chesterfield’s growth ambitions.”

Virtual workplace tours were launched last year amidst the pandemic, however with Covid restrictions eased physical workplace tours were reintroduced for 2021.

Pupils from Whittington Green School, Springwell Community College, St Mary’s Catholic High School, The Bolsover School, Shirebrook Academy and Heritage Academy all took part in visits to local engineering and manufacturing businesses, including Aztec Oils, Woodhead Construction, CBE+, Penny Hydraulics, Superior Wellness, Morgan Sindall, Weightron Bilanciai, MSE Hiller and United Cast Bar.

Carol Claydon, Head of HR at Superior Wellness which hosted students from Springwell Community College, said: “The tour organised by Made in Chesterfield was a fantastic opportunity for our business. Our team members thoroughly enjoyed explaining more about the business, their roles and their work experience to the students. It was brilliant to see how inspired the students were and I think it opened their eyes to the various career opportunities within the local area.

“The campaign is a fantastic way to inspire the next generation and hopefully showcase the different sectors and opportunities available within the town of Chesterfield.”

Ben Jones, Project Manager at Weightron Bilanciai which hosted students from Bolsover School added: “Hopefully we have inspired young people to be interested in what they want to do as a career so they can start thinking ahead now to what they should be studying and also whether they want to go to university or follow the apprenticeship route.”

Charlie Goodwin, Projects Officer at DEBP who compiled the report commented: “We are so grateful to the many businesses who got involved with Made in Chesterfield and worked with us to make it a success in 2021. We appreciate that everyone continues to experience challenging times, however the feedback from those who participated has demonstrated the value in providing meaningful insights into the working world and the role this initiative has in inspiring future employees.”

Launched originally in 2013, the annual Made in Chesterfield campaign, has since introduced thousands of young people across North East Derbyshire to the possibility of a career in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) sector.

The hands-on campaign aims to bridge the careers information gap between education and industry by giving schools and pupils access to workplace tours, a range of careers videos and the MyFuture virtual careers fair.

Made in Chesterfield 2021 was made possible thanks to funding and support from The Chesterfield College Group, Chesterfield Borough Council, D2N2 LEP and Careers and Enterprise Company, Derbyshire North Career Hub, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd and NatWest.

Emily Carter, Operational Careers Hub Lead at D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership added: “We are ever grateful to our cornerstone employers and local business partners for supporting opportunities such as the Made in Chesterfield open doors programmes, supporting young people’s career awareness and aspirations, again this year despite the challenges still faced by industry.

“D2N2 Careers Hub is excited to fund the expansion of this successful model to bring more open doors programmes to young people across the wider D2N2 region during the rest of the 2021-22 academic year.”

Julie Richards, Principal and Chief Executive of the Chesterfield College Group said: “I am delighted to hear that once again the Made in Chesterfield initiative has been a great success. We are proud to support the programme of activities which take place to connect the future workforce with local employers. It is very encouraging to hear how so many schools and employers benefited. It is critical we excite and educate the next generation to understand the fantastic career opportunities for engineering and manufacturing in Chesterfield to build the workforce for the future and secure local economic growth.”

A number of the businesses involved in the Made in Chesterfield campaign are keen to continue to work with schools throughout the year. If your school would like to arrange a workplace visit, please contact DEBP on 01246 212 535.

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Heathcotes recruitment drive champions opportunities in care

Chesterfield-based care provider, Heathcotes Group, has launched a recruitment drive with an aim to attract a new intake by championing the benefits and career opportunities available within the sector.

With plans to open new care provision in the next six months, the company is offering around 180 permanent roles across the Midlands, the North West, London, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire for residential services in support of adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs.

As the sector adjusts to the post-pandemic impact on its workforce, Heathcotes has stepped up its talent acquisition strategy, advocating the job security, funding for professional development, potential for long-term progression and fulfilling aspects of a career in social care.

Heathcotes Recruitment Business Partner, Jon Burton, said: “It’s well known that, since Covid-19 vaccination became mandatory in CQC-registered care homes in England, care providers have lost a percentage of their frontline colleagues who are reluctant to take the vaccine. Heathcotes have been affected by that, but I’m pleased to say that the overwhelming majority of our colleagues chose to be vaccinated in time for the new legislation, and we are now looking to attract a new generation of support workers and team leaders, across all ages and backgrounds, to join them at our services.

“As care providers planning a post-covid future, it’s important to make the case for our profession to prospective employees, and I believe that we have plenty to talk about in that respect. The pandemic gave everyone a greater appreciation of the value of frontline work in health and social care – employers need to build on that shift in perception and highlight the life-changing differences we make each day in support of some of the most vulnerable people in society. We also need to emphasise the access to fully-funded training available in our profession, facilitating the development of skills and qualifications throughout a career in care.”

Earlier this year, Heathcotes introduced an Employee Support Programme for colleagues throughout its organisation, providing a wide-ranging benefit scheme and wellbeing resource assisting all aspects of their personal life and work life, including financial and legal advice, diet and exercise planning, 24/7 access to a support team and access to expert counsellors providing confidential advice. The company believes that such initiatives are vital to support the care workforce and attract new talent to the sector in the coming years.

Jon Burton said: “Heathcotes’ Employee Support Programme programme has a key emphasis on lifestyle and mental health, which is important to recognise following one of the most challenging periods most of us have ever faced in our working lives and personal lives. I believe that companies will be better placed to recruit and retain if they can demonstrate that commitment alongside the opportunity to progress to senior roles – with the right backing from employers, care is a career with a very high potential for upward mobility.”

Heathcotes Group 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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NHS recruitment event to take place in Chesterfield in the new year

A recruitment event is set to take place in the new year, showcasing the opportunities available within the NHS across Derbyshire.

Derbyshire Healthcare is a specialist provider of children’s, learning disability, substance misuse and mental health services – across community, inpatient and other settings. The Trust is actively looking to recruit Band 5 and 6 registered mental health and learning disability nurses, as well as occupational therapists.

To assist with this a series of recruitment events around the county are being planned, with the first one taking place from 10.00am-3.00pm on 15 January in Chesterfield at the Technique Stadium. There will be staff available to chat to about working for the Trust and the opportunities that are available. To make the recruitment process more effective and efficient, applications will be handled on the day, with interviews and conditional offers being made at the same time.

The Trust employs more than 2,800 staff providing services from several community and inpatient settings across the whole of Derbyshire. Across the county and the city, it serves a combined population of approximately one million people.  The Trust is looking for enthusiastic, talented and compassionate qualified staff to provide quality children’s, mental health, learning disability and substance misuse services to the people of Derbyshire.

The Trust is positive about making a difference to the people who use its services and we can offer a great career. It is also growing – with lots of local investment in services and new services being developed, offering lots of opportunities to colleagues.  There are also some innovative progression schemes, such as a Band 5 to Band 6 progression scheme for inpatient nurses.

The first in a series of recruitment events will take place on Saturday 15 January at the Technique Stadium in Chesterfield, focusing on opportunities in our acute and community mental health teams for nursing and occupational therapy colleagues.

If you are interest in attending the event, which will run from 10.00am – 3.00pm, you can register your interest by contacting the team at: DCHST.peopleresourceteam@nhs.net

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Peak District & Derbyshire Hospitality Charter launches to promote sector and boost recruitment

A new hospitality charter, designed to raise the profile of the hospitality industry and promote the sector as a career of choice, has been launched by business leaders in the Peak District & Derbyshire with support from the area’s official destination management organisation.

The Peak District & Derbyshire Hospitality Charter has been created to help dispel beliefs that those working in hospitality suffer ‘long hours for little pay’ and instead highlight the benefits of being part of such a vibrant industry.

Over 30 businesses in the Peak District & Derbyshire have already pledged their support for the initiative, with businesses of all sizes across the county urged to sign up and form a collective voice for the sector.

The charter has been founded by two local hospitality leaders – Richard Palmer, Managing Director of the Devonshire Hotels and Restaurants Group, and Neil Fischer, owner of the Fischer’s Group – to promote best practice in the industry, with pledges to offer employees opportunity, respect, quality training, a good-work life balance and the chance to grow and develop their career.

Inspired by similar industry initiatives such as the People 1st Hospitality Commitment and the 2020 Hoteliers’ Charter, the Peak District & Derbyshire Hospitality Charter forms the basis of a long-term strategy to combat the hospitality recruitment crisis whilst also paving the way for better education and training across the industry.

Signing up to the Peak District & Derbyshire Hospitality Charter means businesses will make a series of commitments to their employees, which include providing a positive work environment, supporting training and development, offering competitive salaries and safeguarding employees’ mental health and wellbeing.

Collaboration is at the heart of the initiative and the charter also aims to improve training and apprenticeship opportunities in the sector by strengthening links between hospitality businesses and education providers.

Signatories will pledge to work with local universities, colleges, schools and careers advisors to create refreshed qualification pathways that better meet the needs of the sector – whilst also lobbying Government to improve and attract more funding to support education and training across the industry.

Businesses can find out more and sign up to the Peak District & Derbyshire Hospitality Charter using the following link: visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/hospitality-charter

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “The Peak District & Derbyshire Hospitality Charter aims to combat the misconceptions surrounding working in hospitality and instead promote this diverse sector as a rewarding career choice.

“By strengthening links between the hospitality industry and education providers, the charter will not only help to build better training and education pathways, but it will also help businesses to reach young adults at the point when they choose their careers, highlighting the many benefits of working within the sector.

“This is by no means a quick fix, but the launch of this charter marks the start of a long-term strategy to support the hospitality industry, to ease recruitment problems and to ensure local businesses can offer fulfilling careers now – and in the future.”

Neil Fischer, owner of the Fischer’s Group, says: “Hospitality is one of those unique sectors where you get to both learn life skills and pull upon your educational background, while continuing to develop. Whether it’s a passion for food and drink, or purely a business and marketing acumen you are looking to develop, the hospitality industry has it all.

“Notably there has been a stigma associated with the UK hospitality sector for many years. What’s frustrating is that this stems from only 20% of the industry. The other 80% of operations are viable, vibrant and successful businesses, where individuals can succeed.

“While hospitality in many respects is about delivering great experiences, this charter is about so much more; from food education in schools, so individuals grow up healthier and fitter, to delivering great opportunities to those that want to learn, whether as a stepping stone to something else or as a long-term career.”

Richard Palmer, Managing Director of Devonshire Hotels & Restaurants Group, says: “There has never been a better time to join the hospitality industry, learn new skills and to seek more fulfilment from our working lives. Roles in hospitality are an invitation to gain invaluable life skills which open up a wealth of opportunities for those who are looking to develop, whether in the hospitality industry or beyond.

“I relate to this with personal experience, having started my own career as a bar attendant at The Devonshire Brasserie, before travelling to learn from other parts of the world. By age 21, I was managing a £1m turnover business and 25 staff, and by my mid 30’s I became the Group’s MD.

“We’re working hard to challenge the perception of the industry as having long hours, low pay and limited career progression. We began with the introduction of a four-day week for chefs, partnering with local colleges and creating our in-house training program, The Devonshire Hospitality Academy. Now, working with our partners at Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has allowed us to pull together this charter to showcase all of the great opportunities the sector offers, to give others the benefit of our experience and share our passion.”

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MyFuture careers platform re-launched for 2021 Chesterfield and North Derbyshire school leavers

Following a hugely successful lockdown launch, the innovative employability and careers platform MyFuture, is here to stay for another year.

Developed by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield and the D2N2 LEP the My Future platform was dreamt up during lockdown when Year 11 and 13 young people were unable to access face-to-face careers information.

The platform, however, has been so successful, with thousands of young people in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire using it to find careers advice and apprenticeships, that funding has been extended for a further 12 months helping bridge the gap ahead of large scale in-person careers events returning. Derbyshire County Council is also supporting the relaunch of the MyFuture platform.

Over the last 12 months, more than 4,000 young people, teachers and parents have accessed the platform.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield explained: “MyFuture has been immensely popular since its launch. We were all very keen for it to continue beyond lockdown being lifted and I am delighted that the partners were able to provide funding to enable this. Together we are helping create a strong, skilled workforce which will support the continued inward investment in the town as well as ensure young people gain the best advice and support for their future career development in these challenging times.”

The funding has enabled a refresh of the MyFuture platform by Chesterfield-based creator and designer Oasis Studio. New features within the virtual careers fair include improved search functionality, easier navigation within the exhibition hall, TV screens within the pods which play live videos and immersive sound allowing the user to feel like they are actually attending a live careers fair.

New pods have also been added to MyFuture, including The Tickled Trout, Acorn Training, Edwards Employment Solutions, Superior Wellness, Staveley Town Deal and NLT Training Services. With around 100 pods on the platform, including one featuring The National Careers Service, MyFuture offers young people in the area unparalleled access to careers information.

The pods are set across 11 zones in the virtual careers fair, providing a wealth of information about different sectors, industries, individual businesses, apprentice positions and further education options available across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We originally launched MyFuture with our partners to ensure there was good quality careers advice available during the pandemic and we have seen fantastic levels of engagement. It’s proved to be such a successful support tool that we are keeping it in place and making it even better than before. There are new organisations featured on the platform and new features which mean it is more interactive and engaging. I’d encourage any young person thinking about their next steps to take a look at MyFuture for local opportunities and inspiration.”

Will Morlidge, Interim Chief Executive at D2N2 said: “Using innovative technology like MyFuture helps to raise aspirations for young people by bringing to life the opportunities available to them. It’s great to see this resource continuing and developing as bringing together the worlds of work and education is a vital part of our strategy to lead our region’s recovery from the impact of Covid-19.”

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Councillor Alex Dale added: “We are delighted to support the relaunch of MyFuture. The website is a great place for young people to explore different career opportunities, get advice and search for local opportunities including apprenticeships and further education courses.”

Young people, teachers and parents who now want to learn about the many opportunities available to future school leavers, can visit MyFuture at www.myfuture.org.uk.

Employers who wish to have their business featured on the MyFuture platform should contact Emily Williams at Emily.williams@chesterfield.gov.uk

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School workplace tours make a comeback for Made in Chesterfield

North East Derbyshire’s school pupils are set to get hands-on with engineering and manufacturing careers once again with the Made in Chesterfield campaign which returns in November.

Forced to moving to virtual workplace tours last year amidst the pandemic, schools can once again visit local engineering and manufacturing businesses in person and discover the range of careers and job opportunities on offer to them in the sector.

Launched originally in 2013, the annual Made in Chesterfield campaign, which is coordinated by Destination Chesterfield in partnership with Direct Education Business Partnership, has since introduced thousands of young people across North East Derbyshire to the possibility of a career in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) sector.

Relaunched for 2021, and free from the constraints imposed last year by the pandemic, Made in Chesterfield is offering workplace tours for schools across 10 local companies operating in the STEM sector.

Aiming to bridge the careers information gap between education and industry, groups of Year 7 – 11 students will be visiting businesses from Monday 8 – Friday 26 November for an educational, interactive learning experience between.

Companies offering workplace tours to schools include CBE+, Superior Wellness, United Cast Bar, Morgan Sindall Group Plc, MSE Hiller, Penny Hydraulics, Aztec Oils, Vistry Partnerships, Weightron Bilanciai and Woodhead Group.

As part of the month-long Made in Chesterfield campaign, schools can also access a range of careers videos to enable young people to experience a number of workplace tours virtually. There is also supporting activities and careers information and apprentice opportunities within the MyFuture virtual careers fair.

Four years ago, Made in Chesterfield introduced Eve Bennett (20) to the sector with a two- week work experience with her now employer MSE Hiller. She has since gone on to complete a mechanical engineering apprenticeship at the company which is one of a number businesses in the sector supporting the campaign.

Eve said: “I still find it shocking that women get frowned upon for going into engineering. It’s a brilliant job and career for anyone. I’ve always wanted to be an engineer for as long as I can remember. I love the job and the company I am working for. I couldn’t see myself doing anything different.”

Ivan Fomin, Managing Director of MSE Hiller and Destination Chesterfield’s board member responsible for manufacturing and engineering in the Borough, commented: “We have been running Made in Chesterfield for eight years and in that time, it has achieved an incredible amount. It works. Two of MSE Hiller’s apprentices are a direct result of the campaign.

“Made in Chesterfield is committed to breaking down preconceived ideas about the sector by young people, their parents and teachers. The world has changed and so has the manufacturing and engineering sector. It offers fantastic skills and training as well as interesting and well paid jobs at every level. Everyone is welcome.”

Dan Heffernan, Careers & Young People Lead at D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership said: “In this fast changing world of innovation, technology and ever increasing advancement within industry, never has the phrase “you can’t be what you can’t see” been more appropriate. After the last 18h months of our young people being confined to their screens, it’s more important than ever that they are now given the opportunity to experience real life workplaces and to engage with employees carrying out real life jobs.

“It’s no secret that the pandemic rocked our labour market and sent shockwaves right the way across industry. However, as we now turn the corner our businesses are looking at how they can bounce back and thrive once again, and central to this will be a pipeline of talent ready to enter their workforce. It is therefore vital that our young people are aware of the opportunities open to them, and crucially that they understand what they must do to get there.

“D2N2 LEP and the Careers & Enterprise Company are incredibly proud to be working on this open door initiative in Chesterfield, building on the successes that have been seen in previous years whilst engaging and encouraging even more businesses and schools to take part. It is then our intention to use this model as a framework to roll out to all schools right the way across the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire region through our new Careers Hubs.”

Charlie Goodwn, projects Officer at DEBP commented: “We’re excited to working in partnership with Destination Chesterfield and D2N2 to deliver the Made in Chesterfield event in November for students from Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire schools. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to be inspired by local employers and have their eyes opened to the many career opportunities that are available to them right on their doorstep.”

DEBP has been working with the schools to identify groups of students that would benefit from a visit to a local company. Students identified may have a specific career they would like to learn more about or may just need an opportunity to learn about the careers within their preferred industry.

Charlie added: “We’re looking forward to seeing the impact of this year’s Made in Chesterfield events for the young people and businesses involved.”

Made in Chesterfield 2021 has been made possible thanks to funding and support from The Chesterfield College Group, Chesterfield Borough Council, North Derbyshire Career Hub, D2N2 LEP, Careers and Enterprise Company, MSE Hiller, United Cast Bar Ltd and Natwest.

To find out more about Made in Chesterfield and discover how your school can get involved with a workplace visit, please visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/made/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, Property and Construction, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

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