We celebrated our career-focused educational event, Sparks Live on Thursday 14 November 2024, aimed at inspiring the next generation of creative talent. Held at our Hartlebury studio headquarters, this second event of its kind welcomed over 120 young people from across UK colleges and universities, all eager to explore careers in the creative industries and gain insights from experienced professionals.
The event was organised end-to-end by our NextGen board that is made up from individuals across the business aged between 18 and 24. Sparks Live 2024 introduced participants to the DRPG Labs, the company’s innovation hub, with a day structured around interactive sessions, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops designed to equip attendees with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the fast-evolving creative and comms industries.
The day opened with an introduction to DRPG departments, giving students an overview of the diverse career paths available to them after education. This session was followed by a departmental Q&A session where attendees could ask questions specific to each department. The introductory session laid a foundation for a series of breakout workshops, each focusing on a core element of the creative process: Elements of AI, Elements of Storytelling, and Elements of Experience.
Attendees then had the opportunity to apply what they’d learned in the breakout sessions, as they explored ways in which these elements drive creativity and innovation across our varied projects. The sessions provided a collaborative and immersive experience, reinforcing our commitment to inspiring and nurturing future talent.
Our Founder and CEO Dale Parmenter shared his journey from starting out in business at the age of 14; giving the students inspirational messages around belief and confidence.
The event concluded with a panel hosted by Account Executive and NextGen board member Ollie Kettle where several team members shared their own career paths. The panel emphasised the versatility of roles within the creative industry and offered attendees valuable advice on navigating their own career journeys.
Talking about Sparks Live, Ollie said, “Sparks Live is about showing young people what’s possible in creative careers and giving them a real sense of what we do here. Watching students engage with each session and get excited about their own paths makes all the effort worthwhile. The NextGen board set out to create something real and relatable, and it’s great to see that land."
Employee Liaison Officer from Worcester Sixth-Form College, June Devonport commented, “It’s been great to have some sensible life advice for the students who have a passion for the creative world at large, with a focus on owning their own careers. DRPG not only delivered great content but made the event interactive where the students could engage but were also listened to which has made them feel valued as the future workforce of tomorrow. It's been truly motivating and inspiring.”
