Two more young people have kick-started their career thanks to Queens Cross Housing Association.

The north west Glasgow association was on the lookout for two apprentices aged 16-19 and, following a successful social media campaign which reached almost 300,000 people, the organisation has now hired a trainee plumber and an apprentice electrician.

Eighteen-year-old Lee Campbell will be trained in all aspects of plumbing, from installing central heating to maintaining drainage works. Liam Boyle, 17, will be repairing electrical services such as lighting, sockets and fire alarms.

Excited at the prospect of starting his career at Queens Cross, Lee said: “Plumbing is something I have always been interested in doing so I am delighted to have been given the opportunity here. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and learning the trade.”

It is the third and fourth apprenticeship positions offered by the association in 2018, following the recruitment of two business modern apprentices in May – who are currently working in head office.

Repairs manager, Jim Williams, is pleased Queens Cross is giving young people a route in to the association.

He said: “It’s important for the organisation to provide opportunities to young people and offering modern apprenticeships is a great way of doing that.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Lee and Liam to come in and learn a trade while earning an income.”

The association is also working with local schools to offer short-term placements to give pupils a taste of what working for a social landlord is like.

It’s all part of the association’s support for the Scottish Government’s ‘Year of Young People’ initiative - which aims to champion young people aged 8-26.