A FEW bright sparks in Selkirk have become the first graduates of a pioneering new training academy.

The Spark Academy was officially launched by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last year.

And now the in-house training centre has produced its first batch of fully-qualified accounts managers.

A total of 20 employees have completed the training programme - and all of them live within a 10-mile radius of the company's headquarters at Ettrick Riverside.

John Hawkins from Spark Energy told us: “Congratulations to each of the 20 employees who have successfully completed their induction training in the Spark Academy.

“Recruiting and upskilling people is a core element of our business which wouldn’t exist if we didn’t provide excellent customer service.

“As part of this we’re also fully committed to the Borders and are extremely proud to create jobs which support young people while increasing economic growth in the region."

As a fast-growth business with a commitment to improvement of the customer experience, Spark requires access to well-trained new employees as well as the ongoing improvement of its current staff's skills.

Through its academy, the company delivers training and development, as well as links with local and national skills and employment programmes.

Training and coaching is conducted by a team who are accredited by the Institute of Customer Services (ICS), the leading industry body with whom Spark has worked since 2014.

Mr Hawkins added: “The company is an excellent place to work, with many avenues for progression, attractive perks and a rewarding benefits package so as we continue to recruit, I’d advise anyone who is looking for a new challenge, whether part of full-time, to check our website for vacancies.”

Photographed after graduating from the academy are Robyn Sapkota, Jamie Grieve, Nathaniel Kotkin-Smith, Jane Braithwaite, Marika Walkowiak, Nikki Alexander, Euan Pringle, Pierce Solley, Jamie Mitchell, Lisa Sharkey and Emma Cavaroli.