EN:Able Futures CIC, has announced Jack Gilbert as its first apprentice placement since launching its Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Service in the North East.
Jack aged 18 from, Consett, has joined Northumberland-based Inside Contracting, as a Level 2 Floor Laying Apprentice.
He will also spend one day a week at Derwentside College.
Established in 2013, EN:Able Futures CIC, which is a community interest company specialising in the construction and built environment sector, became part of Yorkshire-based not-for-profit Efficiency North Holdings in 2018.
The Flexi-Job Apprenticeship Service has seen huge success across Yorkshire and the Humber and is set to replicate this in the North East.
A Flexi-Job Apprenticeship is an alternative to the traditional apprenticeship model, allowing employers to be flexible in appointing apprentices. The apprenticeships have been designed to ensure those sectors and occupations where short-term contracts or other non-standard employment models are the norm, can access the benefits of apprenticeships.
EN:Able Futures CIC recently announced the opening of its North East base at the Evolve Centre, Houghton-le-Spring and has appointed William Oliver as senior apprenticeship manager and Sophie Richardson as assistant apprenticeship manager.
Julie Deeley, director of operations at EN:Able Futures, said: “We have been working hard to highlight the benefits of Flexi-Job Apprenticeships to both potential apprentices and employers.
“They are designed to create benefits for employers in industries such as construction and civil engineering, where it is often difficult for companies to take on apprentices full time due to the nature of new build, repair and maintenance projects.
“We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Jack onto our scheme. The Level 2 Floor Laying is also a completely new apprenticeship offering for us, which goes to show the growing demand and scope for Flexi-Job Apprenticeships.
“Jack will be supported by Sophie and William on his journey. We are also looking forward to developing further relationships with Derwentside College, an outstanding County Durham provider to those companies operating within the trades arena.
“We are currently busy recruiting for a further five apprentices in varying positions as we continue to provide mutually beneficial apprenticeship opportunities for young people and organisations across the region.”
Tom Johnson, operations manager at Inside Contracting, said: “We welcome Jack on board as we look to the future, working with EN:Able Futures and Derwentside College to create a sustainable business that invests in the training of its people.”
Jack, said: “I was working as a labourer for a flooring company doing basic duties and I saw this as a great opportunity to get a trade, be more qualified and earn more money.
“The team at Inside Contracting is really supportive as are Sophie Richardson and William Oliver at EN:Able Futures.
“At college, I am currently learning how to fit flooring using the correct safety measures. I really enjoy putting the theory into practice in my day-to-day role.”