Standard content for Members only
To continue reading this article, please login to your Utility Week account, Start 14 day trial or Become a member.
If your organisation already has a corporate membership and you haven’t activated it simply follow the register link below. Check here.
Spark Energy has announced a 20 per cent growth in employees as it opens its Spark Academy to train new and existing employees.
The independent supplier which serves the tenant and social housing sectors also revealed it will create 69 new jobs from next summer – making it one of the biggest private sector employers in the Scottish Borders.
The in-house training centre at the firm’s headquarters in Selkirk was opened by first minister Nicola Sturgeon this week, and will give the firm access to well-trained new employees, whilst contributing to the ongoing improvement of the skills of those already employed.
Speaking at the official opening, Sturgeon said: “Since the official opening of Spark back in 2007 this highly innovative company has gone from strength to strength. With their continued investment, the creation of an additional 69 new roles and the establishment of this new training academy, Spark Energy are a major employer in the Scottish Borders.
“Spark’s further investment in the Borders is testament to our thriving energy industry and its position as a key growth sector for the Scottish economy.”
Two thirds of the new jobs will be in front and back office customer service teams, with the rest within specialist departments.
Training and coaching in the new on-site academy will be conducted by an award-winning training team, some of whom are accredited by the Institute of Customer Services (ICS).
Spark Energy chief executive Chris Gauld said: “Our investment in the Academy means that those joining the company, including the 69 jobs announced today, will receive their induction and training in a purpose-built facility that reflects our ambition, our culture, values and the professional standards we set.
“I’m excited to see us develop more and better ways to attract new talent to Spark through our school and college links as well as our growing apprentice programme. Recruiting, retaining and developing great people is a win-win for our business, our employees and ultimately our customers.”
The supplier has forecast growth of more than 40 per cent this year and earlier this year set out major growth plans and a management buyout of the company with four large institutional investors.
Please login or Register to leave a comment.