It is hoped that the training can eventually be extended to include Public Social Partnership (PSP) partners and Registered Social Landlords (RSL) staff.

The green light from the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) means that the council will now become an approved training base for the delivery of Housing SVQ 2 / 3 and 4 courses.

John Mills, head of the council’s housing services, said: “Council housing in the UK is 100 years old this year, following the enactment in 1919 of the Addison Act, or the Homes for Heroes legislation. Our job is to build on that legacy, helping the people of Fife access decent and affordable council homes.

“And to make sure council housing keeps going strong for another 100 years, we need to keep growing and developing our younger workforce to manage these homes well and to serve our tenants.”

Over the past five years, housing services has started taking on new modern apprentices and trainees in housing management.

Mr Mills added: “We are now committed to an annual intake of young people to build our younger workforce. The new Housing Training Academy will enable the high-quality training and development that young people need, to develop our housing professionals of the future.”

Judy Hamilton, councillor and convener of the council’s community and housing services committee, said: “This is an exciting development for housing services in Fife. Well trained staff, across the housing cohort, will be empowered to provide great services to tenants and residents in Fife.”