Pictured: Apprentices Liam Hubbard and Chris Preece on site

Construction trainees at Enta are receiving essential on-the-job training thanks to a new maintenance partnership between the Birmingham social enterprise and city-based Arkade Property.

Enta launched its Construction, Landscape and Maintenance Service in February and the team has enjoyed a great first year, including a high-profile project to renovate the city's Northside Welcome Centre.

Continuing this strong start, Manager Jude Quigley has now agreed a deal to provide maintenance support services to leading Birmingham sales and lettings agency Arkade Property, which manages flats, houses and commercial properties across the West Midlands.

Under the agreement, Jude accompanies Enta's construction apprentices to oversee jobs, with the trainees carrying out the repairs, wherever possible. These range from fixing damaged lights and replacing locks, to carpentry and plastering services.

This approach allows Enta to provide young trainees with the essential skills and experience needed to secure sustainable employment. With one in five young people out of work this has never been more pressing.

"The service has enjoyed a really good first year," said Jude. "We are very proud of the quality we offer but we've also been able to give apprentices real work experience, which makes such a difference.

"We only agreed the link up with Arkade last month but the two lads that work with me at the moment, Liam Hubbard and Chris Preece, have both come on leaps and bounds by being able to put their training from the workshop into practice.

"It's often difficult for apprentices to work on real contracts so I'd like to thank Arkade for giving them the chance to show what they can do, and also urge any other companies who need construction, repairs or maintenance support to give a social enterprise like Enta the opportunity."

Sarah Napier from Arkade Property added: "Enta have been excellent, always responding quickly and completing jobs to a high standard. Our landlords are pleased with the low cost and the tenants remark on how friendly they are."

Enta CIC is a Birmingham based social enterprise and training provider that provides real life chances for local people and transforms communities. It also offers a Landscaping and Gardening Service, two nurseries - Little Mill and Lakeside Children's and Family Learning Centre - Top Lock Café and a range of catering services, including a Halal Kitchen.

For more information on Enta's Construction, Landscape & Maintenance Service please contact Jude Quigley on 0121 380 4800 or 07970 528 191.