Chesterfield College students gear up for an exciting time in construction and engineering

It is fantastic for Chesterfield, and the surrounding area, to have so many developments and housing projects underway. Confidence to invest for the future is still strong, which is a real positive for our local economy and job creation.
By Gavin Varley
Published 17th Nov 2020, 13:19 BST
Updated 17th Nov 2020, 13:19 BST
Engineering experts of the future are learning the skills they need at Chesterfield College.Engineering experts of the future are learning the skills they need at Chesterfield College.
Engineering experts of the future are learning the skills they need at Chesterfield College.

Here at Chesterfield College, we are investing in tomorrow’s engineering and construction experts by ensuring local people can develop the skills they need for this.

Part of my job at the college is to enthuse the next generation to see the possibilities in a career in these sectors. Having vibrant and exciting projects underway and planned in the town really helps to show young people that there is a future for them to play a role in building the fabric of our town.

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My end goal is to get students and apprentices into employment and into the jobs they want to do with the skills the sector needs, now and in the future. It is critical for me to listen to industry and train people to be prepared for it or develop their careers within it. We offer courses in a logical progression route from entry level to university level study.

There is a lot more to a career in construction than sand and cement, and more to engineering than the traditional image of getting your hands dirty in a workshop. The range of skills needed in modern construction and engineering is massive. For example, someone with digital technology skills could have a fantastic future in building design and building information modelling. The way we design and deliver courses and work with employers will help students and apprentices make that connection.

Developers, building contractors and engineering employers who have an interest in the local community and local people are keen to work with us to make sure we can develop the skills the industry needs. Ultimately, they know it will benefit them and help to create the construction and engineering experts of the future.

It is an exciting time to be part of construction and engineering because these are sectors which will have the greatest influence on how we adapt to new challenges and changing demands in society. I hope that employers, parents and teachers will join me in encouraging young people to think about how they could be part of this in the future.

Related topics:Chesterfield