Ethos
Small Spark is a dynamic, creative and ever-developing IT solutions provider. Since its creation, there has been a drive to broaden its staff's skills and understanding in their chosen areas of work - human as well as technical.
Small Spark aims to:
- provide products and services in a manner which in no way exploits its clients, suppliers, partners or other stakeholders.
- create an open-minded and respectful working environment for anyone it employs, trains or works with.
- deal with suppliers and partners who are like-minded.
Small Spark's goal is to empower and assist its clients to build their own solutions whilst remaining available to nurture and encourage their growth.
Small Spark
Small Spark was created in 2004 by Agnès Aubert and Kath McGuire - featured on the photograph at the top of this page. Their aim: providing friendly, useful, bespoke IT training in the Cambridge area to anyone in need of a skills and confidence boost. Small Spark was run jointly by both Agnès and Kath until Kath's departure in August 2008.
When relevant, Small Spark works with other professionals - e.g.: IT support providers, other trainers, etc. - so as to provide its clients with the joined-up quality training and consultancy services.
Director's Profile - Agnès Aubert
Education
- Licence d’anglais (French equivalent to an Honours Degree in English)
- University of Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English, Grade A.
- City and Guilds 7307 Stage 1 — Further and Adult Education Teacher's Certificate
- European Computer Driving Licence, Cambridge Regional College, UK.
Background
For a number of years, Agnès worked for an independent sixth form college in a variety of roles, both in the classroom and as a member if the Senior Management Team.
She used IT as part of her job and contributed to making it widely accesible by staff and students, used within the school's information management infrastructure.
As well as running Small Spark, Agnès has been a French teacher and a translator for many years.
People
Like a lot of people, most of Agnès' IT knowledge was gained on the job or was self taught. That is why she understands users and approaches training from a user perspective.
Agnès' teaching and translation background mean that she understands the challenges of communication in the age of IT.
She is experienced in teaching and training children, youngsters and adults alike in a variety of subject areas including IT, French and even sports.
For her, training must be trainee centered. It is crucial to understand their needs, their goals and the environment they evolve in.
Places
Agnès has also worked as an administrator, a research assistant and a technical author and has been a trustee for a local charity. This, as well has the years she has spent training Small Spark's clients, helped her gain an understanding of how start-ups, SMEs and charities work and of how IT can make a difference.
Small Spark work
“ IT know-how and IT access can make a huge difference for people and organisations alike.
My role is to enable people to access the opportunities that IT has to offer, giving both people and organisations the skills and confidence they need.
In my experience, most people are much more capable than they think they are. This is why a little confidence boost can make a world of difference.
I think training must be useful and empowering. It should also be a pleasant experience for trainee and trainer alike. That's why I love my job.”
