Prosper Procurement, based in Newcastle, is the latest North East firm to benefit from EN:Able Futures CIC apprenticeship scheme.
17-year-old, Heidi Molloy and 18-year-old, Charlotte Bell, are undertaking an 18-month apprenticeship and upon completion will be offered a permanent position at the company.
Heidi is studying a business administration apprenticeship and Charlotte a procurement apprenticeship via Springfield Training in Yorkshire.
Established in 2013, EN:Able Futures, a community interest company, specialising in the construction and built environment sectors, became part of Yorkshire-based, not-for-profit, Efficiency North Holdings, in 2018.
As well as offering flexi-job apprenticeships, an alternative to the traditional apprenticeship model, allowing employers to be flexible in appointing apprentices, EN:Able Futures also places apprentices for the full duration of their apprenticeship.
Rod Brassington, chief executive officer at Prosper Procurement, said: “We have over the years developed a long-standing relationship with Efficiency North and we have watched EN:Able Futures grow successfully in the North East.
“We know and trust the company, so it was the natural fit for us when looking for apprentices. We are very impressed by Heidi and Charlotte and their commitment to learning at Prosper Procurement. Social value lies at the heart of our organisation and upon successful completion of their training we will offer them permanent positions.
“By working with the team at EN:Able Futures, we are provided with an excellent recruitment and holistic mentoring experience, as well as, in the work place and academic support for our apprentices throughout the duration of their apprenticeship.”
Julie Deeley, director of operations at EN:Able Futures, said: “Prosper Procurement really echoes our own values. We know the company well and knew that Charlotte and Heidi would be ideal candidates supported by our own apprenticeship manager, Sophie Richardson, whose experience of the apprenticeship route provides that much-needed pastoral support.”
Charlotte Bell, said: “I was looking for an apprenticeship and when I saw the opportunity, via EN:Able Futures, I jumped at the chance to apply. Within the apprenticeship process, I am allocated days for study time which benefits my day-to-day role.
“I am currently gaining experience in tender processes and company finances. Heidi also joined the company at a similar time as myself, so we are both on the learning journey together.”
Heidi Molloy, “Working with Sophie and the team at EN:Able Futures, is invaluable. Having been an apprentice, she offers great advice and insight as to how Charlotte and myself can better our learning to the benefit of the company and ourselves.”