Local people who complete a sector-based work academy will be offered a job interview at GRIDSERVE in Markham Vale, thanks to a local labour clause.
The planning application for the new GRIDSERVE retail forecourt on Enterprise Way in Markham Vale was approved by Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning committee in October 2025.
As a major planning application, the development has been subject to a local labour clause which seeks to lever skills and employment opportunities arising from development for local people.
There will be 10 new employment opportunities as a result of the new GRIDSERVE forecourt that is due to open in May this year.
As part of the skills and employment plan negotiated through the local labour planning condition, Chesterfield Borough Council working with GRIDSERVE, DWP and Chesterfield College have secured the provision of a sector-based work academy that will start on 13 April for 20 individuals for two weeks including job interviews for those who successfully complete the training.
An information event on will take place on 1 April at the Environment Centre, Markham Vale. The sessions, running from 10am to 12 noon and 1pm to 3pm, will offer details on job opportunities at the new GRIDSERVE forecourt.
Attendees can also learn about a sector-based work academy, a brief training programme run in partnership with Job Centre Plus and Chesterfield College. This initiative aims to help unemployed individuals, or those looking for a job in the retail sector, to succeed in gaining employment at the new forecourt.
Those completing the sector-based work academy will each receive a Level 1 award in work related studies for the customer service sector and a Level 1 award in occupational studies for the workplace.
The new jobs will be in the new GRIDSERVE retail forecourt, serving customers who are using the EV charging station located on the same site.
Anyone is welcome to come along to the events. To find out more or to register your interest in attending please contact paul.munday2@dwp.gov.uk.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice chair of Chesterfield Skills and Employment Partnership, said: “As a council we are committed to ensuring that local people have job opportunities and that local talent is recognised and celebrated. Securing 20 job interviews for those who have completed the short training programme is good news, thanks to the local labour clause.
“By working in partnership with organisations like GRIDSERVE, Job Centre Plus and Chesterfield College we can help local people develop the skills to access new opportunities and find new jobs in the local area.”
Paul Munday, Employer Advisor at Jobcentre Plus, said: “At Jobcentre Plus, we are pleased to support GRIDSERVE and Chesterfield College with local recruitment for the new Markham Vale Electric Forecourt. Our priority is helping residents access high quality, sustainable work, and this recruitment initiative provides an excellent pathway into a fast growing and future focused industry.”
Ross Watson, General Manager at the Markham Vale Electric Forecourt, said: “GRIDSERVE is incredibly proud to be working with Chesterfield Borough Council, Job Centre Plus and Chesterfield College to support local recruitment for the Markham Vale Electric Forecourt. This flagship development represents not only a major step forward in delivering world-leading electric vehicle charging infrastructure for cars, vans and trucks, but also a meaningful investment in the local community.
“We are passionate about creating high-quality job opportunities for local residents, and this recruitment initiative is a fantastic way to connect people with roles in what is a dynamic and growing industry. From supporting drivers on their EV journeys to delivering great experiences within our on-site retail facilities, including Costa Coffee, these customer-facing roles will play a vital part in the success of our latest flagship EV charging station."
BillieLeigh Beaumont, Empowering Futures Project Manager, at Chesterfield College, said: “On behalf of Chesterfield College, we are absolutely delighted to support local residents in accessing new and exciting opportunities with employers in our community. Creating these connections not only helps individuals empower their careers but also strengthens our local economy and builds a more sustainable future for everyone involved.”
