Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Businesses urged to embrace new skills initiatives to help region thrive

Chesterfield and North Derbyshire businesses are being encouraged to embrace new skills initiatives with the objective of creating high-quality jobs, bridging skills gaps, and ensuring the region thrives in high-growth industries.

The forthcoming Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Employability and Skills Conference will outline how businesses can access and bolster local talent to support the growth of our economy.

The conference will highlight new and emerging policy at national and regional levels. This includes the government’s intention to launch foundation and short apprenticeships in key sectors, investing £40m to create a Growth and Skills Levy and a Youth Guarantee Trailblazers initiative. The East Midlands is one of eight areas in England and Wales set to benefit from additional funding for young people.

Delegates will also gain updates on existing programmes that enable new and existing employees to access an apprenticeship or other work-related training, such as Skills Bootcamps and supported internships – with no or minimal cost to employers.[1] Experts will update delegates on emerging topics, initiatives, funding, and opportunities to upskill their workforce.

The conference will hear from Cllr Paul Hezelgrave, Portfolio Lead for Skills & Employment at East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), who will speak about the challenges and opportunities in skills and employment across the region.

Cllr Hezelgrave said: “The East Midlands is at the forefront of innovation, and we want to ensure our businesses are equipped to harness future growth in our region. By investing in local talent, we can close skills gaps, create high-quality jobs, and support sustainable and inclusive growth. This is an exciting time for employers to shape the future of our workforce, so I would encourage businesses to attend the conference and gain a comprehensive overview of the latest opportunities. I look forward to meeting regular members of our business community who attend the conference, and many new ones.”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, commented: “We are proud to deliver the annual Employability and Skills Conference, which plays a vital role in supporting continued collaboration among businesses and the skills and education sector, promoting the sharing of best practices, and enhancing the skills of our residents. By developing a resilient workforce, we can help local businesses seize new opportunities and drive growth.

“This year’s conference places a strong emphasis on the wide range of support available to local businesses, and I encourage all business leaders to attend and explore the resources on offer.”

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