About Us
Our Vision
Sparking a movement that empowers every young person to ignite their potential and transform their futures, regardless of their background. By collaborating with local businesses, we build a network that enriches our community and strengthens our local economy.
Our Mission
We empower young people through innovative programmes and mentoring, collaborating with local stakeholders and employers to amplify their strengths, unleash their creativity, and guide them in forging resilient paths to successful careers and businesses.
Our Values
Synergy
We harness the power of collaboration, uniting young people, businesses, partners, and the community. By working together, we amplify our impact and create lasting change that none of us could achieve alone.
Passion
Passion is at the heart of our approach. We bring creativity and fun to every interaction, programme, and initiative, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination. For us, hard work doesn’t mean losing the joy of discovery.
Amplify
Within each young person is a unique set of talents waiting to be amplified. By putting them at the heart of everything we do and amplifying their voices, we are empowering young people to lead and drive meaningful change.
Resilience
We embrace change and grow from it, not just for young people but for everyone involved. We evolve alongside our community, staying adaptable and responsive to the needs of all our stakeholders in an ever-changing landscape.
Kindness
This isn’t just about inclusivity. We lead with empathy, respect, and understanding, creating a supportive environment where young people, businesses, partners, and stakeholders can grow and thrive together.
Our Journey
In November 2024, we launched Spark. We’ve been in the game for a while, so we have loads of experience in our sector, but you might not have always known us as ‘Spark’. Our journey started in 2020 when a group of passionate individuals saw the need to offer tailored support and mentorship to those facing barriers to success during a third-generation unemployment crisis. Merseyside Community Training was founded to bridge the gap of opportunities for disadvantaged young people.
Since then, we’ve grown from a grassroots initiative to a dynamic organisation with a significant community footprint. As we expanded, we realised the need to soften and modernise our brand, leading to our re-launch as #MyMCT. Our history showcases the power of compassion and determination. Over the years, we’ve hit milestones, seen transformations, and worked closely with over 1,300 young people to help them achieve their dreams. Every success story and positive outcome strengthens our commitment to creating a meaningful and impactful future.
What We Do
At Spark, we believe that every young person has the potential to shape their own future, no matter their background or circumstances. But too often, traditional pathways and programmes don’t reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of young people today. That’s why Spark exists—to disrupt the status quo and create something truly different.
Founded with the vision of putting young people at the heart of everything we do, Spark isn’t just another youth provision. We are a movement led by young people, for young people. From day one, we set out to build an organisation where young people aren’t just participants, clients, or customers—they are leaders, creators, and decision-makers. Our programmes are shaped by their voices, fuelled by their creativity, and driven by their ambitions. We amplify their talents, giving them the tools and opportunities to turn potential into presence, and presence into power.
How We Do It
Through dynamic, hands-on programmes and meaningful partnerships with local businesses, stakeholders, and community leaders, Spark supports young people to navigate the complexities of the labour market and launch successful ventures. But it’s more than just about careers and entrepreneurship—it’s about creating a supportive ecosystem where young voices are heard, talents are nurtured, and leaders are born.
Every interaction, every initiative, and every partnership at Spark is infused with the belief that when young people are empowered to take charge, they don’t just change their own lives—they transform their communities. Together, with our partners, investors, and the broader community, we are building a network that not only supports young people but also enriches our local economy and social fabric.
Our Future
Looking ahead, Spark’s vision is bold and clear: a community where every young person has the power to unleash their potential, lead with confidence, and leave a lasting impact. We’re not just igniting futures; we’re sparking a revolution of empowered young people who are ready to challenge norms, break barriers, and redefine success on their own terms.
At Spark, we do things differently—because we know that you are not what has happened to you; you are who you choose to become. And together, we’re choosing to ignite a brighter future for all.
Our Trustees
James
Aspden
Fiona
Armstrong-Gibbs
James
Gregory
Jennifer
Downes
Our Team
Kevin
Rodgers
Brian
Rodgers
Greg
Jones
(Data & Tech)
Jen
Donaldson
(Employment)
Ethan
Murray
(Employment)
Jemma
Rodgers
(Employment)
Luke
Currivan
Officer
Our Honorary Presidents
Natalie Reeves Billing DL FRSA
for Employability
Natalie Reeves Billing DL FRSA is a Toxteth-born author, social entrepreneur, literacy advocate, award-winning social business leader and Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside.
Through her work as Founder of Split Perspectivz and Co-Founder of The Animates, Natalie has dedicated her career to creating opportunities, connecting communities and inspiring young people to see what’s possible.
With a passion for education, creativity, employability and social impact, Natalie brings a wealth of experience and a strong network of community and business connections to Spark Youth. As Honorary President for Employability, she will help us strengthen employer relationships, champion young talent and create more pathways into meaningful employment for young people across the Liverpool City Region.
Our Community Champions
David
Briggs CVO
MBE KStJ
Robert
Owen
JP DL
Lesley
Batchelor
CBE
Geoff
Stevenson
Christine
Walters
Adele
Every
Mark
Brobbin
