Recycling and recovery

Partnership with Spark!

Since 2023, SUEZ has partnered with Spark! charity to enhance young people's employability skills, knowledge, and experience, ensuring they are better prepared for and can effectively transition into the workplace.

At SUEZ we chose to work with Spark! due to their unparalleled expertise in supporting youth employability. Their established relationships with numerous schools across West London enable us to make a substantial impact together.

In 2023, we hosted our inaugural career insight day in collaboration with Spark! at Transport Avenue, Brentford. The event was a resounding success, prompting us to schedule two more career insight days in 2024. Additionally, we are offering support for their Mock Interview scheme and Mentoring programme. This July, we successfully delivered two more career insight days in Ruislip and Hayes.

With 60 participants engaged through this programme, our partnership with Spark! is a testament to our commitment to fostering employment opportunities. This initiative aligns perfectly with our triple bottom line approach and our dedication to supporting local communities.

Commenting on the growth of the partnership, Jack Barber, Partnership and Community Engagement Manager at SUEZ, said: "Our collaboration with Spark! has been incredibly rewarding. Together, we've been able to provide invaluable opportunities for young people, helping them gain the confidence and skills needed to thrive in their careers."

Business Support Co-ordinator, Stevie Warr, and Regional Communications Manager, Will Hamill, who both recently helped to support one of the insight days, added: “The career insight day was an eye-opening experience for both the participants and us as facilitators. It was inspiring to see young people gaining a clear understanding of the various career paths available in waste management and being equipped with practical skills for the future.”

Providing feedback on that event, Faye Rounding, Head of Programmes at Spark!, said: “The team did a brilliant job of engaging the boys and exposing them to the breadth of careers and opportunities at SUEZ. They made everything relatable, the activities were well planned and pitched. I heard at least one student say 'I want to work here!' which is about as good as any feedback gets!”