Twenty-two new graduates are starting their career in the housing sector having been taken on by Scotland's leading housing, property management and care organisation, Wheatley Group.

The organisation welcomed Scottish Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, Jamie Hepburn MSP, to celebrate the start of the scheme and meet some of the people beginning their careers at Wheatley.

The new recruits will have on-the-job training and development, opportunities for further study and qualifications, and mentoring support to build a successful career.

They will work in Wheatley's housing teams, corporate support services and repairs and investment team in what is believed to be the biggest graduate training programme of its kind in Scotland.

Mr Hepburn said: "It's great to see companies like Wheatley Group working to provide high quality work experience for such a large group of new graduates. I know that graduates face a difficult challenge in what is a fiercely competitive jobs market and I believe that opportunities such as this programme can contribute towards tackling youth unemployment and better prepare graduates for sustained and high quality employment."

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The two year programme, which is also open to talented young people who are already working at Wheatley, is part of Ignite, Wheatley's wider staff learning and development approach.

Wheatley's aims to grow new talent to become the future leaders of Wheatley and the housing sector.

Hannah Dodds, who graduated with a first class degree in Philosophy from the University of Glasgow, is one of the 22 young people beginning their career through the Ignite programme.

She said she was attracted to work at Wheatley because she wanted to make a difference to the most vulnerable people in Scotland.

The 23 year-old, who is originally from Ayr, said: "I was working for a year at a homeless service in Glasgow, helping people secure a permanent tenancy.

"When I was studying, I volunteered at a night shelter for destitute asylum seekers. That is what got me interested in housing. Wheatley is doing the things that really matter to customers and plays a really important part in tackling homelessness in Scotland. I am really excited to be starting."

Wheatley Group Director of Resources, Elaine Melrose, said: "As the sector marks Housing Day in Scotland, it is really exciting to meet the next generation of housing leaders.

"It is vital that we invest time and resources to grow new talent to become future leaders both at Wheatley and the sector more widely. Ignite is a great opportunity for young people to start a rewarding career in the housing sector. It will also help grow the next generation of housing professionals for Scotland.

"I am excited and proud to see such talented graduates from all different disciplines join Wheatley to carve out a great career, reach their full potential and make a real difference to people's lives.

"Wheatley Group is delighted that these talented and ambitious young people, who share our social purpose and ethos, are joining us. I look forward to seeing what they achieve throughout their careers."

(MH/CM)