SOPHIE RICHARDSON Assistant apprenticeship manager at EN:Able Futures CIC
What services does EN:Able Futures provide?
EN:Able Futures has recently entered the North East market and is the only organisation providing a Flexi-Job apprenticeship service in construction. We will be recruiting apprentices for firms operating in the construction, civil engineering and built environment sectors from the Tees Valley to the Scottish Borders. We operate on a not-for-profit basis and are committed to increasing training and employment opportunities in those communities hardest hit by the current economic climate and the loss of traditional industries.
What is your role at EN:Able Futures?
I am assistant apprenticeship manager. I focus on providing apprentice support, from recruitment, college, pastoral and in-work, right through until the end point assessment. How has an apprenticeship benefited your career?
Massively. I have completed two apprenticeships. I felt pressured into studying for a degree at the start of my career and didn’t know a lot about apprenticeships. I left my course in events management to start an apprenticeship and haven’t looke
d back.
What is a Flexi-Job apprenticeship and how does it benefit an employer?
A Flexi-Job apprenticeship is an alternative approach to the traditional apprenticeship model. It allows employers to be flexible in appointing apprentices. Essentially, Flexi-Job apprenticeships have been designed to ensure that those sectors and occupations where short-term contracts or other non-standard employment models are the norm, can access the benefits of apprenticeships.
What’s your proudest business achievement?
Where I am today and the role that I am doing. I started my career as an apprentice and now I am supporting other young people as they take their first steps on the apprenticeship journey. Using my knowledge and guiding people through their apprenticeships is a really proud moment for me.
How has the industry changed?
When I first entered into the world of work not many people seemed to be thinking of or doing apprenticeships. I was the only one out of my friend group. In not a long space of time, there are now such a vast amount of apprenticeships available to people.
What mantra do you aspire to do business by?
I always try to be friendly, approachable and professional. I think it’s important to bring your personality to a role and to just be yourself.
What would you like to do moving forward with EN:Able Futures?
I want to continue my learning experience and I am currently studying for a Gateway Qualification Level 3 in Information, Advice or Guidance. The qualification is brilliant in terms of supporting my day-to-day role and helps to reinforce good practice, underpinning knowledge and formally recognising learning and skills developed through experience. I am looking forward to adding value to the team at EN:Able Futures and p