A recruitment drive to find six building trade apprentices to work with River Clyde Homes in Inverclyde has met with an overwhelming response.

Two joiners, two plumbers and two plasterers will shortly start a four-year apprenticeship as part of the £500,000 Modern Apprenticeship Training in Construction initiative. They will work with River Clyde Homes' own in-house Maintenance Team and on the organisation's investment contracts.

In total 301 applications were received for the six apprenticeships - 50 for each of the six posts being created.

River Clyde Homes is working with Inverclyde Council's Economic and Social Regeneration Service and Skills Development Scotland to deliver the modern apprenticeship programme.

Chief Executive of River Clyde Homes, Karen Neary, said: "The recruitment campaign has shown a real desire for apprenticeship places. We are amazed by the level of interest in these places and delighted by the quality of applicants and will be filling the posts in the near future.

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"River Clyde Homes is committed to improving housing for people across Inverclyde. Thanks to our investment and maintenance programmes we are also hoping to make a lasting contribution to the local economy through the creation of job opportunities in projects such as this."

Tenant and Chairperson of River Clyde Homes, Roy Steel, said: "To receive 50 applications for each available apprenticeship with River Clyde Homes shows there is a huge interest in this type of opportunity in Inverclyde and reflects well on our ambition to be an employer of choice.

"It's real endorsement of Inverclyde as an excellent location in which to live and work."

Inverclyde Council will manage the apprenticeship programme with a mix of practical and classroom-based training being provided at various further education colleges.

Inverclyde Council's Regeneration Convener, Councillor Jim Clocherty, said: "The Council is pleased to be involved with the running of these apprenticeships and I am delighted at the level of interest in the positions.

"Apprenticeships are a great way to combine earning with training and I wish the successful candidates a long and happy career."

The four-year programme will be funded by River Clyde Homes with additional funding from Skills Development Scotland - the national body launched to deliver on the vision set out in the Scottish Government’s 'Skills for Scotland' strategy.

River Clyde Homes took over the management and maintenance of approximately 7,600 former Inverclyde Council houses on 03 December 2007.

(GK/JM)