A North Staffordshire training provider – which is helping young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET) to find a route into work – has moved into new premises in Stoke-on-Trent.
The Spark Group, founded in 2023 by Daniel Canavan, has moved into a 3,151 sq ft unit at Joiners Square Industrial Estate, in Hanley, which has been refurbished to provide ground floor storage space and new offices on the first floor. The organisation, which was previously based in Hartshill, has taken the unit on a five-year lease from Sandyford Properties, as part of its national expansion strategy.
Daniel, who previously led Stoke-on-Trent-based PM Training, said: “It is a really exciting time for the Spark Group and we had been seeking out suitable premises for a few months. As soon as I viewed the unit I knew it would be perfect.
“The location will be ideal for our learners to access from all over the city and it has recently been fully renovated, allowing us to start delivering almost immediately.”
The Westmill Street unit includes an on-site training workshop led by a team including Brian Pepper, a tradesman and tutor assessor from the former PM Training group.
The Spark Group has recently launched a programme to provide training and career opportunities in the construction industry, with trainees spending two days a week at the group’s new base and three out on work experience.
The six-month initiative will provide level one qualifications in construction, environmental sustainability and employability. In addition, the Spark Group aims to secure work experience placements for each trainee, with the goal of helping them move into apprenticeships or employment later this year.
Daniel said: “The aim is to make all trainees work-ready by giving them experiences in the skills needed for a career in the building trade.
“The statistics show there’s an immediate need for this programme and the City Council deserve great credit for coming forward to support those who have left school and fallen through the cracks in the system.
“If any company wants to support us with work experience places, we would be delighted to hear from them.”
