SPARK_Futures
Having a teenage son myself, I know how difficult career choices can be: deciding at 15, what you want to do for the rest of your life is a BIG ask. SPARK aims to present a directory of businesses, industry sectors, and roles, that you can hone in on, and start to understand what opportunities exist in industry, and what might connect with your interests.
Whilst it isn't yet mandatory, work experience can be invaluable. It enables you to experience, first hand, what industry is like, and gain real-world insights of what 'a' job would be like. It enables you to make informed choices about your future career, and education, and develop key soft skills that you'll be able to apply in real settings: communication, teamwork, time management, and confidence!
Students that complete a work experience placement may have a clear advantage over those that haven't. It shows initiative, maturity, and drive, and is something you can talk about in applications and interviews that not everyone will have. You’ll already have insight, experience, and direction - a big advantage in a competitive world.
A work experience placement will enable you to meet all manner of people in the world of work, and forge many valuable connections, and those connections could lead to future opportunities6, advice, or even job offers. 'Talent leaves a mark not just on the work, but on the people and culture it touches'. Don't just make an impression - Leave a legacy!
Whether you’re curious about a certain career, want to build your skills, or just try something new - now’s the time to explore work experience placements with you in mind. All of our industry members have subscribed to providing meaningful work experience placements to you.
When you know what excites or motivates you, you're more likely to choose a placement that feels meaningful, not just convenient. Seeing your interests on paper makes them feel more real and specific.
A placement that matches your interests can point toward long-term career paths or even further education options, such as apprenticeships, making work experience more than just a box to tick - it becomes a vital stepping stone!
Once you have found a match, contact us, using the link under the work placement you are interested in and we shall start the proverbial ball rolling. We will liaise with you, and your parent/guardian (if under 18) throughout the process.
We are adding to our existing placement directory all the time - if you have a career or role in mind that interests you that isn't listed, drop us a line and we will do out best to reach out to local industries to try and find a match.