Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) is offering 11 local youngsters the chance to start a promising housing career.

The organisation is taking part in the Modern Apprentice programme which is delivered by Glasgow North Regeneration Agency in association with housing partners in the north of the city and is supported by Skills Development Scotland and the European Social Fund (ESF).

This year a total of 20 young people - aged between 16 and 24 years - are taking up placements through the programme with GHA offering 10 of them the chance to work in Local Housing Organisation (LHO) offices in the north of the city and one trainee being given the opportunity to be based in GHA's Head Office at Granite House.

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The trainees are all from the north of the city and most were previously unemployed or just left school, whilst all were looking to progress into a career within housing.

Each placement lasts up to 18 months and may lead to full-time employment or an apprenticeship. Last year's intake - in partnership with GHA, East End Housing Associations and the East End Regeneration Forum - saw ten of the 11 trainees gain full-time employment and the remaining trainee taking on a full-time apprenticeship.

Hayli Carlton (17) from Blackhill is spending her apprenticeship at Unity Homes Local Housing Organisation (LHO) and is enjoying every minute. Hayli left school at 16 and began studying a business course at college when she realised it wasn’t for her.

Joining Unity Homes just before Christmas, Hayli says it's already given her an option for a future career: "I've learned loads so far and have been dealing with gas services, rent accounts and tenants. Everyone here is so lovely that it’s much easier to learn new things."

Jim Sneddon, GHA's Executive Director of Regeneration said: "GHA recognised at an early stage the importance of providing jobs and training opportunities to our tenants and local people within our communities. In addition, we are committed to supporting the housing industry by providing a well-trained and enthusiastic workforce of the future."

(GK/JM)