Lauren Herd and Laura Gibbons were given the good news by Elderpark as their two-year Modern Apprenticeship in housing draws to a close.

Now, maintenance administration apprentice Lauren and administration and corporate services apprentice Laura – both 19 – are to remain with Elderpark. They were described this week by chief executive Gary Dalziel as “excelling in their apprenticeships” and are much-valued members of the Elderpark team.

Both will now have administration roles dealing with customers who call into Elderpark’s new offices which the association will move into in the next few months.

Elderpark Housing has brought back to life one of Govan’s best-known buildings - the 19th century Hills Trust School - as its new home which is part of a landmark new housing development near Govan Cross.

The good news for Lauren and Laura came as Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2020 (March 2-6) got under way.

Gary Dalziel said: “The theme this year for Scottish Apprenticeship Week is ‘Talent without Limits’ and Lauren and Laura personify that enthusiasm for working in housing. They have excelled in their CIH Level Two qualification and have gained valuable knowledge working in various departments here at Elderpark. Laura and Lauren are great examples of enthusiastic and talented young staff for whom rewarding careers in housing lie ahead.”

During their two year Modern Apprenticeship, Elderpark ensured Laura and Lauren were paid Scotland’s Living Wage. Both joined Elderpark straight from school.

Laura said: “I’m delighted to be remaining with Elderpark following my apprenticeship. Elderpark is a great place to work and I’m looking forward to the role I will have in our new offices.”

Lauren added: “My apprenticeship has been a fantastic experience – I have learned a lot and I’m really pleased it has led to a job. The apprenticeships which Laura and I have undertaken have been extremely worthwhile.”

Damien Yeates, chief executive of Skills Development Scotland, said: “Demand from employers continues to drive the development and growth of Scottish Apprenticeships. Scottish Apprenticeships create opportunities for everyone no matter their background and for every business no matter its size or sector.  
  
“Looking towards a future increasingly disrupted by technological and societal changes, work-based learning has never been more relevant for supporting people into highly productive and sustainable jobs. We are facing ever-growing demand for Foundation and Graduate Apprenticeships from employers, demonstrating that work-based learning is crucial to meeting critical skills gaps.”