The D2N2 Careers Hub, led by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and funded by the Careers & Enterprise Company, is expanding an innovative mentoring programme to support more young people across North Derbyshire, in partnership with The Work-Wise Foundation.
The launch follows a successful pilot in 2021, initiated by leaders from Chesterfield’s Property and Construction Forum, in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council and D2N2 Careers Hub.
The Future Makers, Creators, Designers and Builders Mentoring Programme is designed to support people who may be interested in exploring or pursuing careers working in the built environment. This might include designers, architects, surveyors, structural engineers, builders, and construction workers.
The pilot, which ran from March 2021 to January 2022 saw female students from local Careers Hub schools and colleges partnered with mentors from Whittam Cox Architects, Woodhead Group and Chesterfield Borough Council.
As part of this, students took part in construction themed activity days at CBE+ in Chesterfield and had regular meetings with their mentors to introduce them to the world of work and enthuse them about a career in the industry. Students who took part were awarded with a certificate to celebrate their achievements.
The next phase
Now, following the success and positive feedback received from the schools/colleges, businesses and young people involved in the pilot, the programme is launching to schools across the North Derbyshire region.
To facilitate the delivery of the project, role models from the industry who will work with them to build confidence, knowledge, and career prospects. Volunteers will be given training to help them mentor a young person, working on a bespoke project specific to the mentee’s business or industry.
It is expected that 15 young people will be given the opportunity to take part in the programme, which finishes with a showcase event on 8th July where students will present their projects and celebrate their achievements.
A launch event is taking place on Friday 18th March 2022 at Chesterfield College and any individuals interested in becoming mentors, or schools interested in their students’ becoming mentees, should contact The Work-wise Foundation at info@work-wise.co.uk or call Alex Gardner on 07726 362067.
Inspiring the next generation
Hannah Higley, Hub Coordinator for the Derbyshire North Careers Hub at D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership said: “It has been fantastic to see this programme develop over the last year. D2N2 Careers Hub and our local steering group are proud to fund the expansion of this successful model, in partnership with the Careers & Enterprise Company cornerstone employers in D2N2, to support more young people in exploring what their next best step might be.”
Cllr Amanda Serjeant, Deputy Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council said, “I am really pleased to see the continuation of this project. Improving the skills and work readiness of people in Chesterfield is our top priority because it will help ensure our ambition to create a thriving borough.
“This programme is a great example of how partnership working can strengthen the links between education and business and help ensure more school leavers are developing the skills they need to enter the workplace.
“I am especially excited to see programmes that inspire with young women in sectors where they are underrepresented. Women currently make up around 14% of professional roles within the construction industry, a number which we hope is set to rise with more and more women choosing construction jobs as a result of programmes like this.”
