Member Article

Nominate a rising star in Chesterfield’s retail sector

The search is on to find the rising stars of retail in Chesterfield.

The work of apprentice retail workers will once again be commended in the Chesterfield Retail Awards.

Retail managers and shop owners are being called on by the event organiser, Destination Chesterfield, to nominate promising young apprentices for the 2019 Apprentice of the Year award.

Last year the coveted award was won by Hair and Beauty Apprentice Chloe Hall from The Therapy Lounge in Hasland.

The take up of retail apprenticeships in Chesterfield is strong compared to the national picture. In 2017/18 there were 110 retail apprentice starts in Chesterfield.

And it’s not just apprentices who are being recognised at the prestigious awards. The search is also on to find the Apprentice Employer of the Year.

The apprentice categories are part of a 15-strong award line-up, the winners of which will be announced at a glittering black-tie awards ceremony being held at Casa Hotel on 19 June later this year.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield said: “Apprentices play a vital role in the town’s food and drink sector and we’re delighted to be able to recognise the young talent we have here in Chesterfield, as well as the employers that are supporting them through their apprenticeships. However, we can’t recognise the town’s rising stars unless they are nominated. If you think there is an apprentice who deserves recognition for their hard work and determination to succeed, then please make sure you let us know.”

The Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year categories are sponsored by Apprentice Town, (led by Chesterfield Borough Council) and Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group) respectively.

The introduction of the Apprentice and Apprentice Employer of the Year categories to the Retail Awards line up last year followed the announcement that Chesterfield had become the first town in the UK to declare itself an Apprentice Town.

The Apprentice Town initiative demonstrates Chesterfield’s commitment to growing the future careers of young people alongside business and the economy by retaining and developing young talent in the town, helping attract more employers to invest here.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader, said: “As the lead partner in the Apprentice Town initiative, Chesterfield Borough Council is committed to developing new talent through apprenticeships.

“With more than 100 people taking up retail apprenticeships each year, the awards are an opportunity to reward and recognise the work and dedication put in by these apprentices – so I would encourage people to nominate their apprentice and apprentice employer of the year at the Chesterfield Retail Awards.”

In addition to Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council) and Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group), the 2019 Chesterfield Retail Awards are supported by Chesterfield Borough Council, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), eBusiness Works, In the Works PR, Jumble Creative Design, JP Fire Safety, Spire Radio, Temple Safety and University of Derby.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Joe Morton .