Can you tell us about En:Able Futures?
Following the successful appointment as one of 16 Flexi-Job apprenticeship agencies registered with the government, EN:Able Futures is offering its unique service in the North East. We operate on a not-for-profit basis and share the same values and commitment to increasing training and employment opportunities in housing , construction and civil engineering communities that have been hardest hit by the current economic climate and the loss of traditional industries.
EN:Able Futures is the only organisation in the North East providing a Flexi-Job apprenticeship service in construction, and will be recruiting apprentices for organisations operating in the construction, civil engineering and built environment sectors from the Tees Valley up to the Scottish Borders.
Our Flexi-Job apprenticeship service has had huge success across Yorkshire and the Humber and we are immensely proud that, over the last nine years, we have employed over 430 apprentices hosted by 113 organisations, supported young people to achieve their career aspirations, won many awards and built strong employer and client partnerships. We want to replicate this across the North East.
What is your role?
I am a senior apprenticeship manager working within the North East. I am responsible for business development and creating links with employers and establishing EN:Able Futures across the North East.
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.
How did an apprenticeship benefit your career?
Massively. It provided me with a really good starting point. I got the grades I needed to progress with A-Levels but I felt this wasn’t the right path for me.
I wanted to earn and learn and spotted a vacancy for an apprenticeship with New College Durham. I had a brilliant boss who encouraged my development and I was trusted with a lot of responsibility in the role, which meant that I learnt a lot. I was then offered a permanent position at the college, as an outcomes/inductions officer supporting other apprentices. Since then I have never looked back and the foundations of my career were built from my apprenticeship route.
What is your proudest business achievement?
Working at City & Guilds was amazing. I was there for 10 years and in the first two years was crowned salesman of the year.
How has the industry changed since you began your career?
There are now so many options for young people, which is fantastic, but it can also be confusing for knowing which career path to embark on. Apprenticeships are now held in much higher value, years ago they were seen as perhaps a lesser option to a more educational career path.
We have seen the value of apprenticeships within the trades, with apprentices progressing through organisations to senior management and leadership positions.
Within the apprenticeships themselves, there are so many options from a shared apprenticeship through to a Flexi-Job apprenticeship.
What is your mantra to do business by?
To make a difference. I know, at first hand, the positive impact of apprenticeships and I want to share my knowledge. Over the last 22 years I have also done a lot of charity work and this is something that I am also passionate about.