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A new Modern Apprenticeship is opening doors for six young people - helping them build on their qualifications while gaining valuable work experience in Falkirk Council's Housing Service.
This week the Modern Apprentices in Housing will receive their 'Scottish Certificate in Housing Practice at Level 2' at the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland Conference held at the SECC on the 14 March.
Last year Falkirk Council's Modern Apprenticeship programme received national recognition for its scale and diversity by winning the Best Large Employer award at Skills Development Scotland National Modern Apprenticeship Awards.
Councillor Dennis Goldie, Convener of Economic Strategy and Development said: "This is the first time we have offered a Modern Apprenticeship in Housing so to have six of our Modern Apprentices recognised at a national conference like this is exceptional.
"The fact that we were the first local authority to offer this training shows our commitment to continually developing new opportunities for young people in the Falkirk Council area.
"Through the support of our Employment and Training unit these Modern Apprentices have now started their SVQ and will also be completing the Falkirk Employability Silver Award. The combination of real experience and recognised qualifications is beneficial to the Apprentices but by investing money and time we are also developing our own workforce for the future."
The Apprentices are learning about all aspects of housing management from repairs, to lettings and tenancy management. They provide administrative support, deal with tenants and applicants by phone, prepare paperwork and keep databases up to date as well as go out with neighbourhood officers on tenancy visits.
The Housing Level 2 Apprenticeship framework includes the SVQ in Housing and the CIH Level 2 Certificate in Housing Practice or Housing Maintenance. It gives school leavers a chance to gain hands on experience and new skills that are underpinned by an accredited and well known qualification.
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