Sparking creativity: Our workshop with Spark & Bell
A brilliant partnership with Brighton-based lighting company Spark & Bell has given our candidates the chance to get creative, learn new skills and play a hands-on role in creating something special for our new Education Centre.
Spark & Bell specialises in transforming recycled plastics into beautiful, bespoke lighting. Across two workshops, their team shared their skills and expertise with our candidates, working alongside them through different stages of the creative process – from preparing recycled materials to helping shape the pieces that would eventually become finished lights.
It’s a great example of what can happen when businesses open their doors, share their expertise and create opportunities for our candidates to try something new.
From CD cases to creative lighting
During the first workshop, our candidates began by sorting through old CD cases, learning more about the materials and how they could be repurposed rather than going to waste. They were introduced to the different stages of the recycling and manufacturing process and got stuck into sorting the plastic into different colours and preparing the cases for their next lives.
By the second session, the CD cases had been chipped into small pieces ready to be transformed. Candidates measured out the required amounts and arranged the pieces in trays before they were melted and set into sheets of recycled material. Once the sheets had set and hardened, they were carefully cut into discs. The candidates then helped mould these discs into distinctive wavy shapes, seeing first-hand how recycled plastic could gradually become part of a beautifully designed light. It was great to see our candidates getting involved throughout the process, developing practical skills while also learning about recycling, sustainability and how everyday materials can be transformed into something completely new.
Creating Something Together
The finished lights are now installed throughout our new Education Centre – making the partnership even more meaningful.
Our candidates haven’t simply learnt about how the lights are made; they have helped create the ones they will see around them every day. It’s a lasting celebration of their creativity, skills and contribution to their new learning environment.
Partnerships with businesses are an important part of life at Team Domenica. By sharing their time, knowledge and experience, organisations can give our candidates opportunities to discover new skills, build confidence and experience different workplaces and industries. In return, businesses get to experience first-hand the talent, enthusiasm and potential our candidates bring.
A huge thank you to everyone at Spark & Bell for embracing our candidates and making them such an important part of this project. Together, we’ve created something that will brighten our Education Centre for years to come – and given our candidates an experience they can be proud of.
