Hertfordshire-based Apprenticeship training provider, Educational and Sporting Futures celebrates an MBE for one of its founding Directors, Jill Eaton, for an outstanding contribution to apprenticeships
Jill was awarded the MBE back in June 2023 in the King’s First Birthday Honours List 2023 in recognition of her exceptional contribution to raising the profile of apprenticeships in Further Education and the skills sector.
Invited to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday 31 February, Jill finally received her prestigious honour in person from HRH Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace.
As the co-director of Sporting Futures Training alongside Jo Pountney, Jill has played a pivotal role in supporting over 2000 learners through sport, health, and wellbeing apprenticeships since the organisation’s inception in 2011. Educational and Sporting Futures Training is dedicated to elevating the aspirations of individuals and providing learning and training opportunities for all ages through apprenticeships.
Supported by a team of experienced teachers in a training provider role, Educational and Sporting Futures Training has experienced continuous growth. The recent partnership with Real Training marks an exciting chapter, allowing for a renewed focus on developing and supporting Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the school setting through innovative apprenticeship programmes.
The organisation’s school-based apprenticeships consistently surpass national achievement rates, for their learners.
Jill Eaton expressed her gratitude and reflections on the honour, stating, “Stepping into the Training Provider world with my Co-Director Jo Pountney has been a rollercoaster of a journey. I am immensely proud to receive the MBE and would like to recognise and thank everyone who has been part of that journey.”
She continued, “The value of apprenticeships is immense, and while we face challenges, we must strive to ensure that apprenticeships continue to fulfill their purpose. The entry-level apprenticeship is incredibly important to support young people in taking their first step onto an employment pathway and to provide further opportunities for experienced individuals, raising aspirations and enhancing apprenticeship opportunities.”
Educational and Sporting Futures Training remains committed to promoting the value of workforce development through apprenticeships in schools and is actively seeking partner schools looking to embrace apprenticeships for new or existing team members.
Schools, Academies and MAT’s can fund apprenticeship training for both new apprentice members of staff and current staff by utilising their apprenticeship levy as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) budget for specialised training.
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Angela Pask
Marketing Lead
Educational and Sporting Futures Apprenticeships
