A 'perfect partnership' between a social enterprise and training company is tackling youth unemployment by helping city youngsters launch careers in the logistics industry.

Each year, Mill Wharf-based Enta CIC provides vocational and foundation skills to hundreds of city teenagers who have struggled to gain qualifications or a job. 

And seven teenagers who have progressed with Enta to NVQ Level 1 are now heading into employment and completing a Warehouse and Storage apprenticeship thanks to LATA - the Logistics Apprenticeship Training Academy - in Gooch Street North. 

As part of the course, the apprentices start work with one of LATA's 'host companies', undertaking on and off-the-job training and developing a range of skills such as stock replenishment, re-working, strapping and banding.

Enta's training centre manager Nicola Quigley explained: "Although we work with several training providers, this is our first group of learners to begin an apprenticeship with LATA since we linked up with them earlier this year. 

"We provide learners with foundation skills and LATA then complete their vocational training within an apprenticeship. It's a perfect partnership, which offers the trainees an apprenticeship and a great chance to move straight into employment afterwards." 

LATA has a large network of host companies in the logistics industry - including WH Smith, AF Blakemore and Blackburn Metals - who hire apprentices with a view to employing them directly following a successful placement.

James Billingham, managing director of LATA said: "We aim to help young people into sustainable employment and I'm sure our work with Enta can help us achieve this. 

"The majority of host companies we work with request that apprentices have core skills such as a good attitude, good time-keeping and are reliable. Our initial focus, monitoring and support in this area prior to placements means that we are confident all of our apprentices are work ready and enthusiastic." 

Stephen Rimell, from Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham, is one of the first intake of Enta trainees on the Warehouse and Storage apprenticeship.

The 19-year-old said: "The Connexions team put me in touch with Enta and they've been really helpful. 

"I hadn't thought about a Warehousing apprenticeship before but when my tutor told me about it I wanted to do it. I've just started at LATA and I'm waiting to hear my work placement details, which I'm looking forward to.

"Hopefully, there will be a job at the end of the course."

Enta CIC is a Birmingham based social enterprise that provides real life chances for local people and transforms communities.