Local MP Robert Largan recently chaired a roundtable meeting at the Devonshire Dome in Buxton between local employers, schools and colleges to discuss apprenticeship opportunities in High Peak.
The meeting was convened by Robert to encourage more engagement between local education establishments and employers, with the aim of inspiring and supporting the next generation of young people when making decisions about their future career.
Some of the High Peak’s most recognisable employers attended the meeting, including Tarmac, Breedon Cement Works, Nestle Waters, Ensana Buxton Crescent Hotel and Arnfield Care.
In addition, local education providers such as Buxton & Leek College, Hope Valley College and Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service were able to engage with local businesses and discuss the range of schemes on offer – from degree-level apprenticeships, to supported internships.
All businesses and educational providers present at the meeting agreed to continue engaging with Robert to ensure that everyone in High Peak can access the full range of opportunities available to them in the local area and that every employer can attract, prepare and support future apprentices.
In addition, everybody present agreed to work towards establishing the following:
• A shared calendar of events, designed to inspire and inform our young people
• An information sharing service to publicise new opportunities for employers and educational providers to work together in future
• A virtual presentation, allowing different employers to share more information about the apprenticeships they offer
The meeting follows Robert’s successful High Peak Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair in October 2021, which was attended by hundreds of local people and over 50 local employers.
Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, commented:
“We are so lucky to have a number of world-class businesses based in High Peak. As we continue our post-pandemic recovery, I wanted to bring businesses and education providers together to try and open up more apprenticeship opportunities for local people.
“Following the success of my High Peak Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair, I am really pleased we had such a productive roundtable, with everyone agreeing to work together and see if we can develop a High Peak Apprenticeship Exchange”.
Len Tildsley, Principal at Buxton & Leek College, commented:
“The roundtable event led by Robert was a valuable opportunity to engage local businesses and explore how they can get more involved with schools, colleges and other local skills providers.
“Buxton & Leek College is keen to find new ways for employers to directly influence the learning and the aspirations of young people and adults to address skills gaps in the short term, but also to ensure that we prepare our students to be part of the workforce of the future.”
Laura Wilkins, from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, said:
“Derbyshire North Careers Hub were thrilled to participate in the first apprenticeships roundtable hosted by Robert Largan MP.
“The Careers & Enterprise Company and the D2N2 LEP Careers Hub is committed to supporting businesses, schools and colleges in the High Peak area with increasing awareness and opportunities of apprenticeships and supporting young people to achieve their best next step.”
Neil Bent, Recruitment Officer at Arnfield Care, commented:
“Working together across multiple sectors helps us to open up a world of possibilities for people in the local community to earn while they learn with apprenticeships.
“It’s really encouraging to see so many enthusiastic and like-minded companies willing to invest in developing a more qualified High Peak workforce.”
John Mulryan, Maintenance Manager at Breedon Cement Works, said:
“On behalf of Breedon Cement, Hope Works, we were delighted to join and contribute to the High Peak apprenticeships roundtable last week.
“We are fully committed to the development and training of apprentices. We see this as key to the success of not only our business, but also that of the local community at large. We, therefore, fully support the future progression of this exciting opportunity”.
