Getting Started Guide
Welcome to SparkWay! This guide will help you connect with local schools and offer meaningful opportunities to young people.
Your company profile is the first thing schools see. Make it count!
Complete your basics
- Company name — Use your official trading name
- Industry sector — Helps schools find you by sector
- Website — Schools will check this to learn about you
- Location — Your postcode determines where you appear in searches
- Logo — Makes your profile look professional
Write a great description
Keep it jargon-free. Teachers and students will read this. Focus on:
What you do
Plain English, no jargon
What's interesting
Why visit your workplace?
Your motivation
Why work with young people?
Key takeaway
A complete profile with a logo gets 3x more views than an incomplete one.
An "opportunity" is any activity you're offering — from a one-hour talk to a week-long placement.
Choose the right type
Workplace visits
Groups visit your workplace
Careers talks
You visit a school
Work experience
Extended placements
Mock interviews
Practice for students
Write a clear description
Answer the questions teachers will have:
- What will students actually do or see?
- What will they learn?
- Who is this best suited for?
- Are there any requirements?
Set dates and capacity
Schools browse opportunities by location, date, and type.
Location
Schools search within 10-20 miles of their postcode
Timing
Schools plan a term ahead — publish early!
Categories
The right type and year groups help you get found
When a school books
- You receive an email notification
- Review the request in your dashboard
- Confirm, decline, or message the school for more details
Once confirmed, here's what happens:
They receive an email confirming the booking.
Arrange logistics — arrival times, parking, contact numbers.
Check out our guides on running effective activities.
Mark complete in your dashboard. The school may leave feedback.
Schools have lots of options. Here's how to be their first choice:
Be specific
Don't say
"Students will learn about our industry"
Do say
"Students will shadow engineers, see product design, and try hands-on activities"
Highlight skills
Schools care about skills development. Mention:
Show commitment to quality
- Complete your safeguarding profile
- Use the Work Experience Planner for placements
- Respond to booking requests promptly
- Ask for feedback and act on it
Consider accessibility
Mention wheelchair access, adaptations available, or virtual alternatives. This opens your opportunity to more schools.