Origins & Development
1975
Birmingham City Council invite Community Projects Foundation to propose solutions to the problem of unemployed school-leavers. Propose a new model: a 'training workshop'.
1977
Steering group established. Intaskill begins work in Nechells with 10 trainees, increasing to 30 in 1978. Provides vocational training in: Engineering and Business Administration.
1985
After a period of operating in Oldbury, where Woodwork is added to the training, Intaskill returns to Highgate, Birmingham, and Electronic training is added to the curriculum, plus the opportunity to gain Certificated Vocational Qualifications
1988
ENTA Ltd formed as an independent training company. Number of trainees now in excess of 100.
1989
First Steps opens the door to provide pre-vocational training for young people who find it difficult to access vocational training, further education and employment.
1991
Intaface established to provide a route predominately for adults recovering from mental health illness and who need guidance to achieve re-entry to training or employment.
1993/4
Move to integrated premises in Newtown.
1995/6
Increased student intake by more than one third from previous year. Of students leaving ENTA 79% went on to employment, voluntary work, further training, or education. ENTA currently employs over 25 qualified staff and sessional tutors
1998
Refurbishment of premises completed adding conference facilities, 'cafe' open to the public and modern training facilities for its students. Centre officially opened by Christine Crawley MEP.
1999
The people’s local learning partnership successfully achieves recognition and funding to set up a hub of Learndirect learning centres.
2000
First learning centre opens up in Wyrley Birch.
2001
Twelve learning centres opened in partnership with other voluntary organisations.
2002
The head office for the organisation was established in Suite 12, Staniforth Street, Birmingham. This included the creation the Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Learndirect Hub and Project Management departments.
The Welcome service opened in a city centre shop to provide services for people recovering from mental health illness.
A new service for 14-16 year olds was established in partnership with 12 schools and three voluntary sector providers. A team of Outreach Workers were recruited to bring in new learners into learning.
2003
Enta were offered the opportunity to become the managing agents for the new Family Learning Centre on the Wyrley Birch Estate.
Enta secured three years of European funding to establish four social enterprises and create 200 ILM jobs by 2006.
Enta were recognised as the North Area Development Agency (NADA) for the seven wards in the North of Birmingham. The purpose is to work with voluntary organisations and community groups to develop their capacity to support people into learning and employment.
Major restructuring of the organisation took place to include Chief Executive Officer, Director of Operations, Strategic Development Manager, Head of Finance and a Business Development Manager.
2004
Enta relocated the Computer Recycling Project into new premises.
The original plans for the ‘Family Learning Centre’ altered to include a 50 place children’s centre and the name of the centre was changed to ‘Family Learning and Children’s Centre’. The new build will commence in 2004 and be completed in 2005.
Successful negotiations were completed with Birmingham City Council Allotments Department for Enta to refurbish the ‘Pavilion’ building on the Wyrley Birch allotments and create a new Health and Training room in partnership with Wyrley Birch Social Club which were officially opened on 03rd July 2004.
2005
First Kingstanding Fun Day to mark Adult Learners' Week - Enta lead organisation on this occasion.
2006
Enta takes over as lead agency of KESG (Kingstanding Employment Strategy Group)
2007
Enta takes over as cluster lead of REALiSE Environment & Sustainability Micro-Cluster.
2008
Enta launches new corporate identity and website to celebrates 30 years of changing lives and changing communities in and around Birmingham.
2009
Enta moves its head office and training centre together into new flagship premises at the gateway of Birmingham's learning quarter. Mill Wharf, Enta's new building is home to a vocational Training Centre, Careers Library, Canalside Cafe open to the public, Conference and Meeting Facilities and Day Care Nursery opening in 2010.
2010
2010 starts with Enta being awarded the Social Enterprise Mark, bringing the customer recognition of a nationally recognised brand.