Mid-Derbyshire MP Jonathan Davies visits Derby College Group to champion young people’s futures

Jonathan Davies MP (right) with Jon Collins, Vice Principal.

Derby College Group (DCG) officials have expressed feeling proud after welcoming Mid-Derbyshire MP Jonathan Davies to its Broomfield Hall campus in Morley, where he experienced first-hand the breadth of opportunity, innovation and ambition shaping the next generation of the region’s workforce.

The visit, hosted at the invitation of Jon Collins, Vice Principal for Land-based and Specialist Provision, provided a valuable opportunity to bring together education, industry and policymaking.

During the visit, Mr Davies engaged with students, employers and staff across the College’s land-based, equine and animal care provision, including its specialist equestrian centre, an area closely aligned with Mr Collins’ own professional background and leadership expertise.

Derby College Group, which supports over 13,500 students across Derby and Derbyshire, continues to play a vital role in driving social mobility, developing future talent and supporting regional economic growth. Its Broomfield Hall campus is a flagship centre for land-based education, offering industry-leading facilities and strong employer partnerships that ensure students are equipped with real-world skills and experience.

A key highlight of the visit was Derby College Group’s innovative “reverse jobs fair”, where students lead conversations with employers, confidently presenting their skills, ambitions and career aspirations.

This unique approach reflects the College’s commitment to empowering learners and breaking down traditional barriers to employment.

The visit also coincided with the presentation of findings from Mr Davies’ recent youth survey, which explored the views of young people aged 15–25 across Mid Derbyshire. The results revealed that while 61% of young people feel confident they can pursue a career they are passionate about, significant challenges remain. Almost half of respondents identified the cost of living as the single biggest issue facing their generation, highlighting the difficulty of affording housing, transport and everyday essentials.

Students also raised concerns around access to work experience and professional networks, with many feeling that entry into the workforce is increasingly difficult due to expectations of prior experience. These findings strongly align with Derby College Group’s ongoing work to connect learners with employers, provide meaningful work experience and create clear pathways into employment.

Jonathan Davies MP, whose constituency covers the west and south-west of Erewash, said: “It was a real privilege to spend time at Derby College Group and to see first-hand the exceptional work being delivered at Broomfield Hall. What stands out immediately is the ambition, confidence and capability of the students, and the leadership that is clearly driving this forward.

“The conversations I had with young people were incredibly insightful. There is a strong sense of optimism about the future, with many determined to build careers in areas they are genuinely passionate about.

“However, it is equally clear that there are real barriers, particularly around the cost of living, access to opportunities and the challenge of gaining that all-important first step into employment.

“What impressed me most was the College’s proactive and innovative approach to addressing these challenges. Initiatives such as the reverse jobs fair are not only refreshing, they are genuinely impactful. They place students at the centre of the conversation, giving them confidence, voice and agency when engaging with employers.

“The leadership shown by Jon Collins and the wider team is making a tangible difference, not just to individual students but to the wider regional economy. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking, collaborative approach we need to ensure young people are equipped to succeed.

“I was also pleased to reference Derby College Group and the insights from my youth survey in Parliament, as the voices of young people in Mid Derbyshire must be heard at a national level. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the College to address the challenges raised and to support the next generation as they take their place in the workforce.”

Jon Collins, Vice Principal at Derby College Group, added: “It was a pleasure to welcome Jonathan to Broomfield Hall and to showcase the outstanding work taking place across our land-based provision. Our focus is always on ensuring students are fully prepared for their next steps, whether that is employment, further study or apprenticeships.

“Building strong relationships with employers and policymakers is essential in achieving this, and Jonathan’s engagement with our students was incredibly valuable. He took the time to listen, challenge and encourage, which made a real impact on those who took part.”

The visit forms part of an ongoing dialogue between Derby College Group and Jonathan Davies MP, focused on addressing the challenges facing young people and ensuring that education, skills and employment pathways remain aligned with both local and national priorities.