Young People
Careers & Opportunities
Support with jobs, apprenticeships, volunteering, training and future pathways for young people in Chesterfield and Derbyshire.
Your options
Career pathways
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Apprenticeships
Earn while you learn. Available at all levels — Level 2 right up to degree level. Gain a qualification and real experience at the same time.
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T Levels
Two-year technical qualifications for 16–19 year olds combining classroom learning with an industry placement. Equivalent to 3 A-levels.
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Volunteering
Build your CV, gain experience and meet new people. Looks great on job applications and university personal statements.
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Further Education
Chesterfield College offers A-levels, vocational courses, access programmes and professional qualifications. A great option to study locally.
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University
Degree courses across the UK, plus higher education closer to home through Chesterfield College and Derby universities. Student finance means you don’t pay upfront.
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Supported Internships
For 16–24 year olds with an EHCP — a structured programme based with an employer, building skills for paid work with support from a job coach.
Local support
Organisations that can help
Chesterfield College
Wide range of A-levels, vocational courses, apprenticeships and professional qualifications. Study locally and keep your options open.
01246 500 500
The Unstoppables Project
Supporting young people aged 18–21 who are NEET in Derbyshire. Practical support, mentoring and help into work or training.
Contact via website
National Careers Service
Free careers information, advice and guidance for anyone aged 13+. Phone, webchat and local face-to-face support across Derbyshire.
0800 100 900 (freephone)
The Kings's Trust
Helps young people aged 11–30 who are unemployed or struggling at school. Free courses, mentoring and grants to help into work.
Contact via website
Catch22
Supports young people facing barriers to employment. Employability programmes, job coaching and help getting into work or training.
Contact via website
Chesterfield JobCentre Plus
Support with job searching, Universal Credit and employment programmes for young people and adults looking for work in Chesterfield.
0800 169 0190 (freephone)
Getting started
Helpful tips
Writing your first CV
Don’t worry if you don’t have much experience — include school achievements, clubs, volunteering and part-time jobs. Keep it to one page and tailor it to each job. The National Careers Service has free templates and advice.
Finding an apprenticeship
Search on the official Gov.uk website — it lists every approved vacancy in England. Filter by location, industry and level. Apply early as popular roles fill up quickly. Your school careers advisor can also help.
Building your experience
Work experience, volunteering and part-time jobs all count. Even helping at a local event or community group builds teamwork, communication and reliability — skills employers value.
Interview preparation
Research the organisation, prepare answers to common questions and think of examples from your own life. Arrive on time, dress appropriately and ask questions — it shows you’re genuinely interested.
Related pages
Other pages for young people
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Young People Hub
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Volunteering
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SEND & Education
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