Member Article

Innovative post-16 careers platform launched to support Derbyshire businesses recruit during Covid crisis

An innovative online careers and employability platform, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, has been launched to help employers reach prospective apprentices in a virtual careers fair amidst the Covid-19 crisis.

The My Future platform aims to plug the careers information gap which has been left by Covid-19 by providing careers information to Year 11 and 13 young people.

It is completely free for young people to use. And showcases up to 100 businesses, education and training providers across 10 zones in a virtual careers fair setting. As well as providing information about the business, apprentice positions with the company are also advertised.

My Future has been developed by Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield and the D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub.

It is designed to provide support for young people facing uncertainty in their future as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. The platform aims to give young people across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire access to the widest range of high-quality careers advice, employment support, skills and educational programmes.

Chesterfield-based Oasis Studios has designed the platform using innovative 360expo software.

The platform was launched to the business community by Destination Chesterfield at a virtual breakfast event on 23 September 2020.

Speaking at the event, Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “The development of My Future has led to a truly innovative digital platform providing access to a wide range of careers advice, employment support, apprenticeships, skills and training programmes, all under one virtual roof. I hope that My Future will help young people to build the career and future that they want, so that we can continue to build a thriving borough together.”

Ahead of its launch to employers, careers leaders in the D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub, which works with 21 schools and colleges within Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, has already reached out to all Year 11 and Year 13 school leavers encouraging them to access the My Future platform.

On GCSE results day more than 150 young people logged on to the platform and spent on average 207 minutes exploring the virtual careers fair.

James Brand, D2N2 LEP board member and Managing Director of United Cast Bar, a Chesterfield-based business which is featured in the engineering and manufacturing zone on the platform, said: “My Future is a fantastic platform which we were delighted to get involved with. It’s a great opportunity for businesses to reach out to young people during these challenging times. The platform will offer real support and guidance to school leavers who have been unable to access the careers information they would normally have had to help them make informed decisions about their future.”

Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager, explained: “Everyone has worked tremendously hard to get the platform up and running. We have been overwhelmed by the support and involvement of businesses and training providers to make My Future happen and support local school leavers during this challenging time.”

D2N2 North Derbyshire Careers Hub Lead Dan Heffernan said: “In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to ensure our young people are given high quality and relevant transitions support. My Future will ensure that we continue to inspire our future workforce, give them advice on their future career prospects, and showcase the types of next steps that are available.

“On behalf of D2N2 LEP I want to thank all of the organisations that have contributed to this project so far, all of whom are helping to transform the skills and employability agenda across North Derbyshire.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Anna Melton .