The Youth Employment Support (YES) Derbyshire programme, which is a joint initiative with the government’s Department for Work and Pensions, helps 16 to 24-year-olds who are not in education, training or employment to get on the career ladder.
Operating from hubs in Swadlincote, Chesterfield and Ilkeston, the programme brings together expertise from specialist support organisations, training providers and employers in a one-stop-shop for young people seeking information, advice, and opportunities to boost their confidence, build their skills and ultimately find work.
Now, following extra funding from government, support at the Swadlincote hub, based at Rink House in Rink Drive in Swadlincote, will increase from 1 day a week to 3 days a week.
Councillor Stephen Reed, our Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Business Services, said:
“Helping people to find work is one of our key objectives and I’m pleased that were able to increase support to young people through our Youth Employment Support Derbyshire programme – backing our commitment to create communities where people live safe, healthy, independent lives.”
In the 12 months to April 2026, the programme has:
- helped 511 young people
- supported 488 young people to develop a personalised action plan for their next steps into training or employment
- opened up opportunities for 306 young people to complete work experience, volunteering or training
- successfully moved 138 young people into apprenticeships or employment.
A series of Youth Employment Support (YES) events are being held during July and August 2026 where experts will be on hand to provide information, advice and guidance on:
- employment opportunities
- training and qualifications
- apprenticeships
- volunteering
- wellbeing support
- employability skills
- careers advice and planning
- skills building
- confidence and motivation.
The series of events kicks off with 3 careers fairs in July, featuring local opportunities being held on:
- Monday 27 July: Swadlincote Adult Education Centre, 1pm to 4pm
- Tuesday 28 July: The Quad, Chesterfield 1pm to 4pm
- Wednesday 29 July: Cotmanhay and Ilkeston Adult Education Centre, 1pm to 4pm
Further sessions will take place in August with the YES team for support following exam results or for next steps planning. These sessions will be held on:
- Monday 24 August: Swadlincote Adult Education Centre, 11am to 4pm
- Tuesday 25 August: The Quad, Chesterfield, 11am to 4pm
- Thursday 27 August: Ilkeston Library, 11am to 4pm
There is no need to book in advance; young people can drop in to any of the sessions on the day.
Find more information about YES