ABOUT US

OUR PURPOSE

To discover hidden talents and skills (SPARKS) that enable people to THRIVE.

To EMPOWER individuals, especially young people, by bridging the skills gaps in the green industry and construction sectors.

Ignite SUSTAINABLE change for our communities

OUR VALUES

THRIVE
EMPOWER
SUSTAIN

BACKGROUND

The UK is amid a skills crisis. For decades the nation has undervalued skills and we must reduce the production of greenhouse gasses for our future generations, however we simply do not have the green skills required to make these improvements. A change is desperately needed, a SPARK is needed. A catalyst for change, The Spark Group was founded in 2023 by Daniel Canavan to address these issues and it will lead the promotion and training of skills for young people, and plugging the wider skills gaps. SPARK will work collaboratively with schools, colleges, employers and other partners to facilitate change, upskilling and sustainability.

How it began.....BEFORE THE SPARK......

In 1996, Daniel started a project called Homeworks here in Stoke-on-Trent with friends Tony Clarke and Richard Allmark. The initial aim was to help elderly members of the community maintain their gardens, but Daniel's father, Sean Canavan spotted an opportunity to develop the project further to use this as a vehicle and provide work experience, education and emotional support for young people.

Homeworks went on to become a nationally recognised service and provided work experience for over 10,000 young people, predominantly from the Stoke-on-Trent's most disadvantaged areas, whilst delivering maintenance and construction contracts worth over £4m annually for local authorities and housing associations.