NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK: New website launched to help job seekers find apprenticeship opportunities in Chesterfield

To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2018, the Apprentice Town website is being launched for job seekers to find apprenticeship opportunities in the town.

Chesterfield became the first town in the UK to declare itself an ‘Apprentice Town’ last year to help nurture the careers of youngsters and companies meet 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 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 apprentice 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: “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, said 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’.

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

n Go to www.chesterfield.co.uk/apprenticeships