Bright Sparks students inspired to unlock potential

Halfway into term five and the end of the academic year is nearly in sight. Over 100 Brights Sparks students from groups across Bristol and Somerset assembled at Ashton Gate Stadium for the annual Celebration of Sport.

The ‘Celebration of Sport’ day is a great opportunity for the Bristol Bears Community Foundation to showcase the broad range of programmes to the wider community whilst rewarding students for their continued commitment and efforts so far this year.

This year the theme for the Bright Sparks students was ‘inspiring the students to unlock their full potential by opening up a pathway of education and employment opportunities.’ 

Students had the opportunity to engage in insightful, fun and creative workshops with a range of employers.  

Meet the Employers:

The Molson Group team led by Shaun Harrison (Molson Aftersales Operations Manager) delivered an exciting ‘Apprentice style’ session with students creating new companies, marketing campaigns as well as selecting appropriate machinery for high-end operations.

The students engaged in a variety of tasks, providing them with an opportunity to demonstrate teamwork skills and experience a variety of roles - 89% of students agreed or strongly agreed that the workshop provided them with skills they need in a job.  

Key quotes from students  
“I learnt loads in the Molson lesson. We worked well in our group and I feel I could manage others”  
“Molson has inspired me to chase my ideas and that I could do well in a job. I want to create a company”  
“We worked well as a team in the challenge and I want to work at Molson's when I'm older” 

Paramount Interiors showcased the whole journey from project conception to completion and the process and skills needed in the design and building industry. Students were very hands on with various practical challenges and were guided expertly through some electrical tasks by Ryan from RME, whilst Helen and the paramount team tasked students to design unique and creative project spaces and select from a range of materials.  

97% of students enjoyed the workshop and believed it gave them a better understanding of the world of work.  

Key quotes from students 
“I really liked the designing part and can use my own ideas and seeing the material made it real too. I feel I could be a designer.”

“I was really pleased about the wiring a plug bit and I'm thinking about being an electrician now.”  

“I was able to follow the instructions about stripping the wire and I now understand how the plug worked. I'm looking up becoming an electrician.”

Aspire LLP have been long-term partners with Bristol Bears Community Foundation and a big supporter of the Bright Sparks programme. Bristol Bears senior academy player Pete Carter who works part-time at Aspire LLP shared his personal experiences with the students. Students were educated on the importance of budgeting for life, managing finances and how to manage training volume as a professional player. Ken Hall (Aspire Associate Partner and Financial Planner) and the team delivered an engaging and practical budgeting challenge that really got students thinking about the future and financial awareness.  

100% of students enjoyed the workshop and agreed that it gave them a better understanding of the world of work.  

Key quotes from students 
“It really hit me how important budgeting is for people and now for me to look after money.”  

“Having a player talk about how he manages money was great. I need to think about my future now.”

“I learnt lots about money. I like the idea of helping others with their money too."

Meet the Providers: Students then took part in a unique speed open day with 10 education and training providers from the local area. Students were tasked with collecting information and asking probing and specific questions about roles, entry grades and what to expect. The students were fully engaged and left with real drive and motivation for their future studies and pathway. Each provider had at least 10 students wanting to know more about courses or apprenticeships.   

Student quotes:  

“It was really good to get an idea on where I could go next and what grades I need”. 

“The talks helped me picture what I could do next. I am going into year 11 next year and this has given me something to push my studies further”. 

“I can now see myself finishing school and doing an apprenticeship and it sounds really good”. 

Teacher quotes:  

“Great to see the students asking proper questions and finding out how they can access offers from all the providers. The format and engagement from providers was great” 

“Brilliant talks from colleges and providers for students. My students were really keen to know more and we will support following this up and linking in with our careers team”