Glasgow Housing Association invest in local youngsters

Feb 19 2009 By Frank Hurley

ELEVEN local young people are being offered the chance to start a promising career in housing by Glasgow Housing Association (GHA).

The organisation is taking part in the Modern Apprentice programme, 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.

GHA are offering 10 of them the chance to work in Local Housing Organisation (LHO) offices in the north of the city and one trainee is being given the opportunity to be based in GHA's head office at Granite House.

The trainees are all from the north of the city and most were previously unemployed or had recently left school, while 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, pictured left, from Blackhill is spending her apprenticeship at Unity Homes Local Housing Organisation (LHO).

She said: "I've learned loads so far and have been dealing with gas services, rent accounts and tenants. Everyone here is so lovely."