d2n2 lep

D2N2 LEP secures funding for next wave of Skills Bootcamps provision

D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured almost £5 million to broaden its successful Skills Bootcamps offer.

The organisation has a successful track record of delivering Department for Education funded Skills Bootcamps, which have been developed by the Government as part of the Skills for Life programme.

Following successful applications in four previous waves of Skills Bootcamps, D2N2 LEP has now been allocated further funding as part of the fifth wave of Skills Bootcamps allocations.

The funding of £4,967,950 represents an increase of almost £1.5 million on the previous allocation in Wave 4 (£3.5 million).

Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks for adults aged 19 or over. They give people the opportunity to build up valuable sector-specific skills based on local employer demand and provide a direct path to a job on completion.

With this funding boost, D2N2 LEP indends to broaden the range of sectors that its Skills Bootcamps support. For example, for the first time, Skills Bootcamps in leadership and management will be offered for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

The organisation will also work with providers to offer a wider range of Skills Bootcamps programmes in priority areas of digital, construction, engineering and green skills (construction and electric vehicles).

As the lead partner, D2N2 LEP will be working with Derbyshire County Council to open the procurement window to allow providers to apply for delivery contracts for Wave 5 Skills Bootcamps programmes. D2N2 LEP will make an announcement as soon as this window opens, expected to be later this Spring.

Employment and Skills Manager at D2N2 LEP, Richard Kirkland, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve succeeded in our application to be a Wave 5 Skills Bootcamps provider, following our successful track record of delivering Skills Bootcamps in all four of the previous waves. It’s fantastic that through the increase in funding we’ve secured, we’ll be broadening our offer to include new programmes, such as leadership and management for small and medium sized businesses.

“This is really positive news as I look back on my 40 year career in education and skills and prepare to retire; it’s such a proud moment for me. I would like to thank all my colleagues, all our providers and partners for their support over the years and I wish all the Skills Bootcamps learners all the very best in their future careers.”

Richard will leave D2N2 LEP at the end of this month to commence his well-earned retirement, following his 40 year career in education and skills.

Businesses across Chesterfield are encouraged to find out more about the skills support available to help them grow their organisations, by attending the Employability and Skills Conference on Thursday, 8th February.

Find out more about D2N2 LEP’s Skills Bootcamps programme

MTM_manufacturing

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Support available to assist Chesterfield manufacturers in utilising digital technology

Businesses in Chesterfield’s manufacturing sector are being encouraged to find out more about a scheme aimed at helping them boost their organisations with digital technology.

Made Smarter East Midlands is a support programme which aims to help firms in the sector grow by utilising digital technologies, increasing efficiency, reducing downtime and getting products to market faster.

The project is supporting manufacturers which employ ten or more staff and are based in the D2N2 region (Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire), along with Leicestershire or Lincolnshire.

The Made Smarter Programme offers ‘Digital Transformation Road Mapping’ to help companies set out their 3-5 year transformation and cultural change journey. The scheme can provide technical expertise, consultancy and grant funding to help implement the changes detailed in the road map.

Made Smarter East Midlands will support firms in their development, adoption and implementation of emerging technologies, making a real, everyday difference to people across the business, from the boardroom to the factory floor.

World-renowned businesses and the UK government back this programme, and a team of specialist technology experts can provide businesses with personalised advice, identify the right digital tools, and help companies make strategic and everyday improvements to their manufacturing business.

In addition, business leaders can advance their own skills with the Made Smarter Leading Digital Transformation Programme. Developed with Loughborough University, this programme enhances leadership capabilities and makes the transition to digital technology easier.

D2N2 LEP’s Sector Engagement Manager, Lucie Andrews, said: “I encourage local businesses to apply for the Made Smarter East Midlands support programme. You’ll get a real boost for your manufacturing, help in driving up your productivity and efficiency savings and receive support for your business to work leaner and smarter.”

Applications for the Made Smarter programme are proving very popular, so be sure to express your interest now to avoid disappointment. To find out more and take the first step towards digitising your manufacturing business, register your interest today.

Find out more about the benefits of locating your manufacturing business here in Chesterfield.

Manufacturing at Weightron. Two men working on industrial weighbridge with sparks flying

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Chesterfield firms encouraged to take advantage of innovative D2N2 Skills Bootcamps

A series of Skills Bootcamps taking place across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire are continuing to make a significant impact on improving lives and communities in the area.

The project, launched by D2N2 includes a wide range of Skills Bootcamps for learners to choose from. The range of subjects includes Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair & Replacement, Cloud Computing, Digital Marketing, and many more.

Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, giving people the opportunity to build up sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with a local employer.

Fully funded for learners, Skills Bootcamps are delivered in partnership with employers, further education training providers and universities across the East Midlands.

The training and support available to learners is aligned with local and national demand for skills, ensuring that people have direct line of sight to a job following completion of the course.

Skills Bootcamps help employers to develop their employees’ skills and fill their vacancies, and help individuals to find a new job or advance their skills to progress further in their career.

Find out more about Skills Bootcamps here.

In our region, Skills Bootcamps are making a real difference to people’s career prospects.

Georgie began her career development journey when she enrolled onto the Skills Bootcamp in Digital Marketing with DBC Training, after deciding that university wasn’t the right route for her. She chose the Skills Bootcamp in Digital Marketing, because it offered a clear pathway for her to gain new skills and career opportunities. As she progressed through the course, her enthusiasm grew.

Georgie-Headhsot-Skills bootcamps D2N2 LEP

Georgie progressed her career by taking part in D2N2’s Skills Bootcamps programme

She said: “I have really enjoyed the Bootcamp, as it has been a really good opportunity for me to learn more about marketing.”

On completing the course, Georgie was delighted to have gained sufficient skills and knowledge to successfully apply for a position as a Digital Marketing Apprentice at Pennine Healthcare, and started her apprenticeship in January 2023.

Fiona Baker, Head of People and Skills at D2N2 LEP, said: “Over the past three years we have seen more courses added to the offer in direct response to the needs of employers who are struggling to find people with the right skills. Skills Bootcamps are a great way to deliver the skills that employers are looking for to grow their business and take on a wider range of work.”

If you are interested in finding out more, contact the D2N2 Skills Bootcamps Project Officers at: skillsbootcamps@d2n2lep.org 

Skills-Bootcamps-credit D2N2 LEP

Skills bootcamps across our region are being delivered by D2N2 LEP

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D2N2 LEP opens recruitment for new board members

The D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has begun recruitment for new board members who can bring a depth of experience and make an active contribution to support the economic growth of our region.

The D2N2 LEP provides a business-led approach to economic development for an area with over 75,000 businesses and 900,000 jobs supporting a total population of over 2.3 million people.

The LEP is looking for a number of private sector members who can help to shape the economic strategy across Derby Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire.  Candidates should be an experienced senior leader or business owner with an outstanding ability to communicate, lead and influence

The D2N2 LEP is also seeking to appoint a new representative from the Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise Sectors (VCSE). The role will ensure that the views of civil society continue to be reflected within the LEP’s decision making.

Board members represent the LEP’s interests to a range of partners and stakeholders in the private and public sectors, and work collaboratively with them to deliver a shared agenda for our economy.

Elizabeth Fagan CBE, Chair of the D2N2 LEP, said: “We’re keen to hear from leaders with energy, creativity, and passion to help us shape and deliver our ambitions for the region.

“This is an important time for our region as we drive forward work to level up our region to develop a more prosperous and lower carbon economy, which creates skilled and higher value jobs for our future generations.

“Our board members come from different backgrounds across our region and offer a breadth of sector knowledge and expertise. I am keen to hear from people that can build on this diversity.”

Applications are welcome from across the LEP area and from all sectors of the economy to reflect our diverse business community.

The deadline for applications is noon on Friday 8 April 2022.

For more information on the roles, interested parties should visit the vacancies section on the D2N2 website.

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New mentoring programme to support young people across North Derbyshire

The D2N2 Careers Hub, Led by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and funded by the Careers & Enterprise Company, are expanding an innovative mentoring programme to support more young people across North Derbyshire, in partnership with The Work-Wise Foundation.

The launch follows a successful pilot in 2021, initiated by leaders from Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Forum, in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council and D2N2 Careers Hub.

The Future Makers, Creators, Designers and Builders Mentoring Programme is designed to support people who may be interested in exploring or pursuing careers working in the built environment. This might include designers, architects, surveyors, structural engineers, builders, and construction workers.

The pilot, which ran from March 2021 to January 2022 and was led by The Work-wise Foundation, saw female students from local Careers Hub schools and colleges; St. Mary’s Catholic High School, Chesterfield College, Whittington Green School, Springwell Community College and Brookfield Community School partnered with mentors from Whittam Cox Architects, Woodhead Group and Chesterfield Borough Council.

As part of this, students took part in construction themed activity days at CBE+ in Chesterfield and had regular meetings with their mentors to introduce them to the world of work and enthuse them about a career in the industry. In January, The Work-wise Foundation visited the students in their schools/colleges with D2N2 Careers Hub and their mentors to award them with certificates to celebrate their achievements.

Hannah Higley, Hub Coordinator for the Derbyshire North Careers Hub at D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership said, “It has been fantastic to see this programme develop over the last year. D2N2 Careers Hub and our local steering group are proud to fund the expansion of this successful model, in partnership with the Careers & Enterprise Company cornerstone employers in D2N2, to support more young people in exploring what their next best step might be”

Cllr Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council said, “I am really pleased to see the continuation of this project.  Improving the skills and work readiness of people in Chesterfield is our top priority because it will help ensure our ambition to create a thriving borough.

This programme is a great example of how partnership working can strengthen the links between education and business and help ensure that more school leavers are developing the skills they need to enter the workplace.  I am especially excited to see programmes that inspire with young women in sectors where they are underrepresented is key to ensuring success.

Women currently make up around 14% of professional roles within the construction industry, a number which we hope is set to rise with more and more women choosing construction jobs as a result of programmes like this.”

Following the success and positive feedback received from the schools/colleges, businesses and young people involved, the programme is launching to schools across the North Derbyshire region this month.

The programme will seek 15 mentees who may be interested in exploring or pursuing careers working in the built environment and partner them up with role models from industry who will work with them to build confidence, knowledge, and career prospects.

Over a 6-month period, mentors will receive relevant training which will help them work with their mentee on a bespoke project relevant to their mentors business and/or industry. The programme will finish with a showcase event on 8th July where students will present their projects and celebrate their achievements.

A launch event is scheduled to take place on Friday 18th March 2022 at Chesterfield College and any individuals interested in becoming mentors, or schools interested in their students’ becoming mentees, should contact The Work-wise Foundation at info@work-wise.co.uk or call Alex Gardner on 07726 362067.

To get in touch with D2N2 Careers Hub, contact hubs@d2n2lep.org

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New Advisory Panel launched to support Chesterfield and Derbyshire’s manufacturing sector

A newly-launched panel will support and accelerate the growth, productivity, and competitiveness of the manufacturing economy across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership estimates the manufacturing sector employs over 125,000 people and generates £7.2bn into the region’s economy – ranking third outside London and the South-East – and has the largest cluster of transport manufacturing and R&D in the country.

The LEP will be working with local manufacturing business leaders, the region’s universities, local authorities, and business organisations including Make UK to champion and strengthen manufacturing across region and improve the regional economic performance, retaining excellence in sectors including aerospace, automotive, food and drink, medical and rail.

Primary objectives of the panel include developing an action plan for competitive and sustainable manufacturing and co-ordinating, facilitating and forging closer links between academia and industry with a focus on supporting businesses to adopt new digital innovation and disruptive technologies and embrace low carbon growth.

The panel will also forge strong connections at a national level, particularly with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), and Innovate UK.

Martin Rigley MBE, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Lindhurst Engineering and Chair of the D2N2 Manufacturing Advisory Panel said: “Clearly the way manufacturers do business is changing at a rapid rate and it’s important that manufacturing is prepared to face the challenges this brings; particularly in the adoption of digital technologies and meeting net zero targets.

“The Manufacturing Advisory Group is sector and size agnostic and aims to use its strong network amongst businesses, large and small, supported by our strong FE and HE representation to guide manufacturing businesses in our region through an evolving way of doing business.”

Sajeeda Rose, CEO of the D2N2 LEP, said: “Manufacturing is our region’s largest sector and employer. As we transform into a more competitive, greener economy, our manufacturers will need support to embrace industrial digitalisation and net-zero challenges.

“We are proud to be bringing together such an impressive group to provide a strong voice for manufacturing across D2N2 to address these challenges and drive our economic growth.”

Charlotte Horobin, Region Director for Make UK in the Midlands and East, said:

“Manufacturing is key to the prosperity of D2N2, the need to ensure our manufacturers are equipping themselves with the skills and technologies to boost their competitiveness has never been so important.”

The D2N2 Manufacturing Advisory Panel met for the first time on 30 June and will meet every two months to collaborate on how best to drive growth and productivity the region.

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Local leaders to guide green growth and recovery in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

As the UK transitions to a low carbon economy there are significant opportunities arising at pace from the changes to technology, methods of production and forms of consumption.

In response the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership has established a new Low Carbon Growth Group.

The group will convene and coordinate low carbon activity and programmes aimed at delivering opportunities for investment, business growth and jobs across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (D2N2).

The formation of the group comes as the Confederation of British Industry has set out its new UK Economic Strategy which emphasises decarbonisation as a critical factor in the UK’s economic recovery.

The new group aims to build on the LEPs ambitious plans to deliver the largest turnaround in carbon emissions in England, as part of its recovery and growth strategy. The group will also deliver on the goals of the UK’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution.

The group will be chaired jointly by Becky Rix, D2N2 Board member and Marketing Director at Roadgas and Wayne Bexon, Interim Corporate Director for Growth and City Development at Nottingham City Council. Other members include representatives from a wide range of key local private and public sector organisations

On the group’s agenda is:

• Supporting the region to reach net zero
• Developing and enhancing greater coordination of low carbon investment plans
• Developing a portfolio of development opportunities to attract more government and private sector investment in the area.

Sajeeda Rose, Chief Executive at D2N2 said: “Underpinning the D2N2 Recovery and Growth strategy is our ambition to achieve the highest turnaround in carbon emissions in the country. Bringing together some of the region’s most influential experts to form the Low Carbon Recovery Group will provide the vision and action needed as our economy retools and moves towards a carbon-free tomorrow”

Becky Rix said: “I am delighted to be co-chairing the Low Carbon Growth Group and sharing my experience as we look for opportunities to deliver a low carbon agenda for the region. I think this as a very exciting time to be participating in the delivery of future developments as we focus on growth and a green recovery. I am looking forward to learning more about the opportunities and challenges, listening and learning from colleagues and ensuring collaboration for all interested stakeholders.”

Wayne Bexton said: “A Green Recovery has been referenced throughout the pandemic and this new group brings together expertise from across the private and public sector to target low carbon initiatives via a joined up approach. There is a unique opportunity ahead for carbon neutrality to be achieved alongside economic growth and Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire can be at the forefront for the UK on this agenda”.

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