Careers and apprenticeship specialists the Spark Group are set to launch a new apprenticeship programme for future low carbon heating engineers. 

The Hanley-based training centre has signed an agreement with award winning training provider Performance Through People to provide six two-year apprenticeships covering heat pumps and other low carbon technologies in Stoke-on-Trent. 

A property maintenance apprenticeship will also be launched through the partnership this summer.  

Now Managing Director Dan Canavan is looking for local companies to take on the apprentices for the duration of their apprenticeships. 

Spark Group was founded by Dan in 2023 with a mission to provide training opportunities for young people and with an ambition to create green energy solutions for homes across North Staffordshire and beyond. 

Dan said: “The Government’s Warm Homes plan promotes cleaner energy solutions such as heat pumps and ground source heating, but this will not happen unless we can train a new green energy workforce. 

“Currently, many gas and plumbing apprentices will take an additional short module on green energy solutions, but I believe we must go further. The apprenticeships will provide practical experience with classroom training, with trainees learning how to plan, install and maintain green energy solutions.” 

The new courses launched at the Spark Group training centre at Westmill Street, Hanley, are backed by Performance Through People which has offices in Cannock and Walsall and are one of the country’s longest established training organisations. 

It follows the success of the Spark Group’s first training intake; an initiative to give eight young people not in education, employment, or training (NEETS) their first chance to learn new skills. 

The six-month programme was designed to give learners a level one qualifications in construction, environmental sustainability and employability. 

“The project, run on behalf of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, has been a big success, with learners gaining new skills, and getting experience of a work environment for the first time,” said Dan. “We have had a positive response, with the learners developing a work ethic. These are young people who were previously disengaged and are now coming in every day, showing a positive attitude, and enjoying work experience for the first time. All eight of the young people are set to fully complete their programmes.  

“I want to thank local companies including Timberland and ABC Exhibitions, of Longton, Allcoat Decorating, Pulsed Electrical and the city council repairs and maintenance service, formerly known as Unitas, for helping us by providing practical work experience for the trainees.” 

John Adams, owner of Stoke-on-Trent based Allcoat said: “Young people don’t need a handout, they need a hand up. Someone once gave me a chance, so it is great to be in a position to give the same help to new starters. I have been able to help by showing basic practical skills, how to protect and prepare a work area, how to prepare a surface for painting, and how to use different methods to apply paints using brushes and rollers.”   

The trainees have also worked in the Spark Group training centre under the guidance of construction tutor and assessor Brian Pepper and with award winning social entrepreneur and woodworker Chris Parr who is well-known in North Staffordshire for transforming disused pallets into useful item s such as bottle kiln shaped garden ornaments and bird boxes. 

They also witnessed green energy production in action with a field trip to see working wind turbines at Keele University.  

Dan said: “As an experienced training leader, I set up the Spark Group with the dual aim of creating sparks in young people to ignite their interest in pursuing meaningful, practical careers, and to train the green workforce of the future. We’re now mobbing forward with a purpose. 

“The demand is clear with the Government stating that 1.5 million homes need to be built by the end of the current Parliament. However, it is estimated that 60,000 more engineers, bricklayers, electricians, and other tradespeople will be needed by 2029.” 

ENDS  

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