An innovative new training facility which will provide skills and training to thousands of young learners has officially opened its doors in Staveley.
On Thursday 7 November Lord Burlington officially opened the Construction Skills Hub – an innovative approach to learning which aims to provide students with the skills they need to access careers in the construction industry whilst also providing them with experience to help secure their first job.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Devonshire Group, Chesterfield College, the University of Derby, Chesterfield Borough Council, and Toby Perkins MP, along with students who have been studying at the Hub.
Funded through the Staveley Town Deal, the project is led by Chesterfield Borough Council, with Devonshire Group providing the land where the Hub is located and Chesterfield College and the University of Derby delivering the education programme.
Lord Burlington said: “During every project we undertake, we always look for opportunities to add value and create a lasting legacy for the communities that we serve. We are therefore delighted to have been able to partner on the Construction Skills Hub on site at our Mastin Moor project. The hub provides ongoing opportunities for education and skills development that we hope will have a positive impact on the local economy for many years to come. We take our role in contributing to the long-term prosperity of our region incredibly seriously and are looking forward to seeing more local people supported through this programme in the months ahead and learning about the projects that they will be involved with in the future.”
The Hub has been operational for the last year with students initially studying at Chesterfield College before moving onto the site in Mastin Moor to gain experience of construction through helping to complete the groundworks and construction of the cabins which will be used as classroom facilities.
In year one 12 students studied at the Hub and another 29 have been recruited to study in year two.
The Hub provides training in site and bench joinery, brickwork, groundworks and electrical installation but in time will offer opportunities in retrofit and green technologies.
Over ten years, the Hub aims to provide careers insights, training and work experience for over 5,000 learners.
Chesterfield College Principal, Julie Richards OBE, said: “Projects such as this are at the core of how we operate. Working directly with key employers, the Skills Hub will support the students to develop the skilled workers required to meet the ever-increasing demand from within the construction industry. Sitting on the Staveley Town Deal Board I know the real impact this project will bring to the local area for years to come. I’m delighted to see our students so enthused, gaining the skills and knowledge on a working site which they need for a successful future career.”
The Construction Skills Hub is a key part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s Skills Action Plan and a key project within the Staveley Town Deal programme.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to officially open the Construction Skills Hub as it will help the skills people need to access great careers in our borough. This will not only help improve the local economy it will also have a positive impact on people’s lives as they will have more secure employment with higher wages.
“From talking to learners already at the Hub it was great to hear how this facility is helping them achieve their ambitions and I look forward to welcoming many more students over the coming years.”
The Construction Skills Hub is one of several projects that is being funded through the Staveley Town Deal. After developing a Town Investment Plan, Staveley was awarded £25.2 million to deliver this plan with a funding deadline of March 2026."
Ivan Fomin, Chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It is fantastic to see this project in action - providing the opportunity for young people in Staveley to gain the skills they need to access careers is a key part of ensuring our objective that Staveley is a place where everyone can start, stay and grow is achieved. I look forward to hearing how the students get on and seeing them get experience on some of the other key construction projects within the Staveley Town Deal programme.”