This National Apprenticeship Week, Evolve Facility Services reveals that it has employed over 200 apprentices to date across England with around 80% becoming permanent members of staff.
Founded in 2010, the Evolve apprenticeships programme operates in multiple regions with apprentices able to apply for roles across a range of specialist areas including gas engineering, plumbing, health and safety and recruitment.
Evolve is an in-house repairs, maintenance and facilities management provider, part of national social landlord Riverside. It currently employs 37 apprentices with around a dozen individuals starting their apprenticeships programmes every year.
As one of the largest in-house services providers in the UK, Evolve has won multiple awards for its apprenticeships scheme with one apprentice, Callum Abdallah, receiving the title of Apprentice of the Year at the National Housing Maintenance Forum (NHMF) Best Practice Awards 2025.
Based in Liverpool, Callum is an Apprentice Electrician and Riverside customer who was inspired to start an apprenticeship after watching Evolve operatives work in his home. His four-year apprenticeship has seen him become a core member of the Electrical team and act as a guest speaker at events on behalf of Evolve.
Across England, apprenticeships are becoming increasingly popular with those over the age of 16. The latest official data shows that the number of apprenticeship programmes started in 2024/25 increased by 4.1% compared to the previous year.
In 2026 Evolve will significantly grow its apprenticeship intake within its core regions of Carlisle, County Durham, Derby, Hull, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Stoke-on-Trent. As part of this, the company will continue with its bespoke approach to implementing apprenticeships programmes and specifically create new roles in each region that are in line with regional objectives and needs from Riverside customers.
This year’s apprenticeships scheme will also see growth in the Evolve Planned Electrical Programme with apprentices playing a hands-on roll in expanding the rollout of renewable technologies such as Solar PV Servicing and MVHR installation. Evolve will also continue to focus on encouraging applications from Riverside customers with the Riverside Employment and Training Team on hand to provide free, holistic support for individuals in areas that include presentation skills, CV writing, interview techniques and advice on accessing funding for apprenticeships and qualifications schemes.
Commenting on the impact of the Evolve apprenticeships scheme, Matthew O’Flaherty, QHSE apprentice, said: “I have been a QHSE apprentice in the Health and Safety team since March 2025 and in this time, I have gained a wide range of skills in areas like risk assessment and ensuring preparedness in emergencies. I have been welcomed into a friendly and supportive work environment and my apprenticeship has deepened my appreciation for the vital work that the Health and Safety team do to protect some of the most vulnerable residents in our communities.”
Neil O’Halloran, Managing Director at Evolve Facility Services, added: “Since our business was founded in 2010, we have recognised the importance of creating a dedicated programme where our apprentices can truly thrive. Our apprentices progress a range of trades, back-office functions and technical teams and represent our future while also strengthening the culture and commitment we bring to our customers.
“Our focus has always been simple: provide opportunities for the people within the communities we serve. Whenever we operate within a region, one of our first priorities is to establish a clear apprenticeship programme that supports our work and helps us stay closely connected to local people. I am proud that many of our apprentices have chosen to build long-term careers with us and some who joined us in 2010 are now in key roles, mentoring the next generation and passing on the culture, goals and customer focus that continue to shape Evolve.”
Header image: Apprentice Electrician Callum Abdallah as guest speaker at Raise Up Youth & Social Mobility Summit 2025
