SPARK 2024 – The Apprenticeship Marketplace

Apprenticeships

Welcome to SPARK - matchmaking for future degree apprentices and local industry employers.

Our 2024 SPARK event was a matchmaking opportunity which gave future apprentices the chance to be interviewed by employers for a Degree Apprenticeship. This allowed you to build a skilled team by connecting with the talent of the future. SPARK is a free apprenticeship marketplace that was open to all recruiters from any sector who were looking to promote Degree Apprenticeship job opportunities or work placements which may lead to a full-time Apprenticeship. 

Recruit the best future talent

SPARK was designed to be a speed pitching session where employers get to meet one-to-one with potential apprentices. Participating was an excellent opportunity for businesses to raise their profile and speak with potential candidates face-to-face on a more meaningful level than through an application form or a CV. Companies were able to determine face-to-face whether a candidate was a good fit for their culture and goals, thereby significantly shortening the screening process. They were also able to judge the pitches and award their opportunity to the potential apprentices who impressed the most.

  • Address the skills gap

  • Reduce costs for staff recruitment

  • Recruit the best future talent

  • Drive change and innovation from within

How to take part

Businesses joined our SPARK – Apprenticeship Marketplace event on Thursday 18 April 2024, at our Preston Campus. The keynote speaker was Edwin J Booth CBE DL, Chairman of supermarket chain Booths. The event lasted from 9am to 3pm.

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The Spark Apprenticeship Matchmaking event enabled us to meet lots of potential candidates, and helped develop our future recruitment processes. We also successfully recruited a new digital marketer.
Shout connect
Ian Coupe
Director, SHOUT Connect
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Highlights from SPARK events01 / 04

Delkia employees interviewing a young person in a speed pitching session.
Delkia employees interviewing a young person in a speed pitching session.