Member Article

Apprentice Town website launches

Chesterfield’s commitment to apprenticeships and the future of its young people is being demonstrated with the launch of a new website.

To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2018 (5 - 9 March 2018) the Apprentice Town website is being launched where job seekers will be able to find apprenticeship opportunities available in the town.

Last year Chesterfield became the first town in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town,’ in a bid to help nurture the future and careers of youngsters while also helping companies fill skills gaps.

The initiative raises awareness of the huge positives of apprenticeships and brings together talented young people with local businesses for the good of the local economy.

With 1,450 people starting an apprenticeship in Chesterfield in 2016/17, there are already more than 4,000 people currently participating in apprenticeships in Chesterfield across a variety of sectors and levels from traineeships to Higher Level Apprenticeships.

Currently, there are more than 50 apprenticeship vacancies within the town being advertised on the website in a wide range of sectors, including business management, animal care, IT, hospitality and childcare.

As well as showing all the apprentice opportunities available in the town, the Apprentice Town website also provides a whole host of useful information for employees, employers and parents.

There are also details on how businesses can benefit from apprenticeships with information about the new Apprenticeship Levy and case studies from current apprentices in the town.

Chesterfield Borough Council is leading the Apprentice Town initiative while Destination Chesterfield, as a partner, has developed the website for the project.

Councillor Terry Gilby, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, said: “We were delighted to become the UK’s first Apprentice Town. Here in Chesterfield we recognise the importance of helping our young people secure careers while supporting the local economy.

“With so many new developments planned for the town more and more businesses are taking on an apprentice to address skills gaps and workforce needs.”

Dominic Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager added: “The Apprentice Town initiative shows the town’s commitment to supporting businesses to recruit and develop their workforce for the good of the local economy.

“A town which puts such a focus on developing the skills of its talented young will help attract more employers to invest in Chesterfield.”

In addition to Chesterfield Borough Council and Destination Chesterfield, other partners involved in the Apprentice Town initiative include Chesterfield College, NLT Training Services, University of Derby, East Midlands Chamber, Jobcentre Plus, Enterprise Adviser Network and Derbyshire County Council.

The website can be viewed via www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Joshua Peet .