People and skills

Theme: People and skills
Project: Boosting regeneration projects
Support: Improving facilities at the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe)
Delivery partners: Chesterfield Borough Council and Barrow Hill Limited

How we made a difference

DRIIVe is a major regeneration project funded through the Staveley Town Deal. Funding from UKSPF has helped enhance this project and ensure it can help local people access the training they need to access careers in the rail sector.

The funding has been used to help complete the fit out of the building which will help enhance training provision on the site.

This will ensure that local people have access to fantastic equipment which will help improve the learning experience.

DRIIVe will act as a catalyst for growth in the borough, helping to attract new businesses but also ensuring that local people have the skills they need to access great careers in the rail sector and improve their quality of life.

Theme: People and skills
Project: Future Skills Development Fund
Support: Creating new classroom facilities at the Construction Skills Hub. 
Delivery partners: Chesterfield College

How we made a difference

The Construction Skills Hub has expanded with the creation of two new classroom spaces – creating an additional 45 training spaces at the site.

Based in Mastin Moor, the Construction Skills Hub is primarily funded through the Staveley Town Deal but additional funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has allowed for its expansion.

The Construction Skills Hub is a sector specific training facility - over the next decade the Hub will provide careers insights, training and work experience for more than 5,000 learners from school age to adults seeking to re-skill.

Hub students gain real-world experience from day one, supported by industry-leading tutors and with direct access to employers. The hub’s unique training model equips students with practical skills and knowledge that the sector needs to tackle the well-documented skills and recruitment gaps in construction.

The Hub is run in partnership between Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College and the University of Derby at the heart of Devonshire Group's development site at Mastin Moor.

The Construction Skills Hub received a total of £108,000 UKSPF.

The two new classrooms will help the Hub support 45 additional students and launch new courses including adult skills courses and specific skill focused bootcamps. An additional cabin student support hub has also been created, to accommodate the additional staff needed to support the increased learner demand.

Theme: People and skills
Project: Work with You programme
Support: Funding helped people overcome health-related barriers to work
Delivery partners: Shaw Trust, Royal Primary Care, Barrow Hill Community Trust, Community Development Chesterfield, NHS and Community Growth CIC

How we made a difference

Work With You supports residents with health-related barriers to find suitable employment.

Jacob* joined the project in August 2025 after experiencing social anxiety that made it difficult to leave home or speak to new people. Working one-to-one with his Employment Specialist, Jacob received tailored support to refresh his CV, develop a stronger cover letter, and explore realistic opportunities aligned to his interests.

As his confidence grew, Jacob was encouraged to attend Unstoppable Derbyshire – a programme for 18 to 21-year-olds that helps participants to identify and achieve their goals. Through Unstoppable, Jacob secured a fortnightly volunteering opportunity in gaming and established a positive routine that improved his wellbeing and employability.

"When I first joined the project [Work With You] I would have been far less happy to volunteer – my mindset wasn’t great. The only time I went out house was to see mum or go shopping. Now I do a course [Unstoppable] two days a week, volunteer every two weeks, and yesterday I went to see my mates at college.

"Before, I just bottled stuff up and only spoke to family. Keith has told me about all sorts of new places and opportunities to go and speak to and has given me the confidence to do so. I now have a routine, which makes me feel a lot happier with myself and encourages me to go out and do things.”

*Name changed for anonymity.

Theme: People and skills
Project: Future Skills Development Fund
Support: Upskilling the workforce
Delivery partners: Chesterfield College, DBC Training and Chesterfield Manufacturing Forum

How we made a difference

The project delivered a range of skills programmes within the workplace to help businesses upskill their workforce. This was delivered within two strands, one focusing on digital skills and one focussing on manufacturing including key science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills.

The digital programme provided vital digital skills training for businesses and their employees in Chesterfield, with a range of Microsoft programmes which are widely used across any industry.

The manufacturing programme was delivered in partnership with Chesterfield College and United Cast Bar. A dedicated classroom was put in place and programmes delivered to help upskill the employees in STEM skills and also provide mentoring for the next generation.

"The course was very insightful. The part that stood out the most to me was the hands-on approach to learning. It provided a practical perspective that is directly applicable to my current role. I believe this will greatly enhance my efficiency and productivity moving forward. Thank you once again for your support and assistance.”

Mihai, from Graphoidal Developments who received support from The Future Skills Development Fund

Theme: People and skills
Project: Workforce Skills Training - low carbon and digital projects
Support: Digital skills training on AI, digital marketing and cyber security. Low carbon support on sustainable construction methods
Delivery partners: Chesterfield College, Althaus Digital, North East Derbyshire District Council

How we made a difference

This project was designed to help local businesses strengthen their workforce skills in two key growth areas: low carbon and digital. Through funded training, participants were able to build practical knowledge in emerging technologies, sustainable construction methods and digital tools, helping employers respond to changing industry demands, improve productivity and prepare for a greener, more technology-driven economy.

Low carbon courses included:

• training on EV Charging installation
• hybrid vehicles
• air source heat pumps
• retro-fit

Digital courses included:

• specialist training in AI
• digital marketing
• cyber security

Chesterfield Escape Rooms was one company who benefitted from training. The training introduced game changing tools like ChatGPT for marketing strategies and Gamma for improving promotional materials.

"The AI training was incredibly insightful and practical. Learning how to integrate tools like Chat GPT into our marketing strategies has given us fresh ideas and new efficiencies. The hands-on approach meant we could immediately see how these technologies apply to our work, making it an invaluable experience.”

Isobel Fox, Chesterfield Escape Rooms