AWARD-WINNING flexi job apprenticeship agency EN:Able Futures is celebrating, having supported 500 apprentices in 10 years – helping to boost career prospects in the north.

Mia Borne has become the 500th apprentice for EN:Able Futures, joining as a Level 2 roofer with Innercity Roofing in November. She has been working to support a large project at Ecclesfield Library in Sheffield, gaining experience in felting and reroofing, as well as laying, splitting and cutting tiles.

As she develops her skillset through on-the-job training, Mia will be given more responsibility, helping to strengthen her knowledge and experience over the two-year course.With more than 752,000 apprentices across the UK, it’s becoming an increasingly viable and alternative path for people to explore for further education.

Eddy Dennis, apprenticeship manager at EN:Able Futures, said: “Having been an apprentice myself, I know the huge benefits that can come from completing a practical course of study where you can learn on the job, so it’s great to be able to pass this knowledge on through my role at EN:Able Futures.

“Over the past decade, we have supported many people like Mia on their journey, by matching them with suitable roles and providing guidance to businesses to make apprenticeships more accessible. It’s brilliant to see the interest in apprenticeships increase over time, and the standard of qualification individuals can achieve has also risen, which has helped to attract more employers and apprentices.

“This is a huge milestone not just for EN:Able Futures, but for apprenticeships as a whole, and coincides nicely with National Apprenticeship Week.”

EN:Able Futures was founded with a vision to provide value-adding, high quality apprenticeships that lead to promising careers across the built environment sector and add value to the host businesses. The apprenticeships include all areas, from civil engineering to maintenance roles.

The service, which is part of Efficiency North Holdings, is flexible, allowing employers across the property and construction industry to take on apprentices for either the full duration or part duration of their apprenticeship.

Mia said: “I knew an apprenticeship was the right choice for me as I wanted to work in construction and be able to work my way up as I develop, which so far I’ve really enjoyed doing. In terms of practical skills, I’m looking forward to learning more about reroofing but I’ve also gained valuable skills in how to collaborate and work with other people, which I know will be useful throughout my career.

“EN:Able Futures offers a fantastic range of options, which is what initially attracted me to the organisation, and I’m being given loads of support throughout the course, which will set me up for a successful career in roofing.”

To explore current vacancies with EN:Able Futures, please visit: https://www.efficiencynorth.org/futures/find-an-apprenticeship