Are you ready to take the next step in your personal or professional journey? Whether you're looking to gain new qualifications, re-enter the workforce, or simply build your confidence, the SPARKS Project is here to help you shine.
What is the SPARKS Project?
The SPARKS Project is a government-funded initiative designed to support Gloucester residents aged 17 and over who have lived in the UK for at least three years and pay Council Tax to Gloucester City Council. Our mission? To empower individuals with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive.
💼 Your Path to Personal Growth and Career Success
At SPARKS, we believe everyone deserves the chance to grow. That’s why we offer free, one-to-one support tailored to your unique goals. Whether you're unemployed, looking to upskill, or unsure where to start, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Here’s what we offer:
- Personalised guidance to find the right training or education
- Help enrolling in college or community-based courses
- Support with job searching, CV writing, and interview prep
- Referrals to trusted local services and training providers
👨👩👧 Supporting Families and Carers
Through our partnership with Family Hubs across Gloucester, we provide additional support for parents and carers. From parenting courses to confidence-building workshops, we help families access the tools they need to succeed—at home and in the workplace.
🎯 Our Vision: Stronger Skills, Stronger Communities
We’re not just about jobs—we’re about building resilient communities. By helping individuals develop transferable skills and boost their confidence, we’re creating a ripple effect of positive change across Gloucester.
🚧 The Challenge We’re Tackling
Many people face barriers to employment—whether it’s a lack of qualifications, low self-esteem, or simply not knowing where to begin. That’s where SPARKS steps in. By meeting people in trusted community spaces, we connect them with life-changing opportunities like:
- Food Hygiene Certification
- Teaching Assistant Courses
- Maths & English (Entry Level to GCSE)
- Vocational and sector-specific training
✅ Who Can Join?
To access SPARKS support, you must:
- Be aged 17+
- Be unemployed or looking to improve your job prospects
- Not currently in education or training
- Live in Gloucester and pay Council Tax to Gloucester City Council
- Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
🤝 Partnering for Impact
We’re proud to work alongside Family Hubs and the Gloucestershire Gateway Trust to extend our reach and impact. Together, we’re helping parents, carers, and veterans build brighter futures.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really free?
Yes! All SPARKS services are completely free, thanks to government funding.
What does 1-on-1 support look like?
You’ll work with a dedicated advisor who will:
- Help you find the right courses
- Support your job search and applications
- Build your confidence and set achievable goals
- Refer you to other helpful services
- Check in regularly to keep you on track
Can you help improve my CV?
Absolutely! We’ll help you:
- Highlight your strengths and skills
- Add relevant qualifications
- Format your CV professionally
- Tailor it to specific job roles
- Prepare for interviews
What about veterans and their families?
We proudly support veterans and their families with:
- Access to education and training
- Personalised career guidance
- Family-focused support to help spouses and carers reach their goals
🌈 Ready to Spark Your Future?
The SPARKS Project is more than a programme—it’s a pathway to a brighter, more secure future. Whether you're just starting out or starting over, we’re here to help you take that next step with confidence.
👉 Get in touch today to find out how we can support you or someone you know.
