The two-year programme will kick start the new recruits’ careers in housing at Scotland’s largest housing, care and property-management group.

Now in its second year, the programme offers on-the-job training and development, opportunities for further study and qualifications, and mentoring support to help build a successful career.

Connor MacDougall, 23, who graduated with a Business Management Degree from Glasgow Caledonian University, is one of the 16 young people beginning their career on the graduate programme.

He was inspired to join the programme by the testimonies of last year’s graduates, and Wheatley’s commitment to its customers.

Connor, who will initially be working as a GHA housing officer, said: “After hearing from last year’s graduates about their roles and the positive difference Wheatley makes in the local community, I wanted to be part of that journey.

“Working in real estate throughout my final year of study inspired me to pursue a career where I could combine my passion for housing with making a positive difference. I’m looking forward to developing my skills and knowledge in my new role.”

Thirteen of the new recruits are housing graduates who will work across Wheatley’s social housing and property-management subsidiaries. The remaining three will join the corporate teams as business graduates.

Ruth Hewitt, who graduated with a degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Glasgow, is one of three business graduates.

After writing her final year dissertation on accounting for social housing, Ruth wanted to pursue a career in the housing sector.

The 21-year-old from Glasgow commented: “Using GHA as the case study for my dissertation provided me with the opportunity to explore finance in a social housing setting, sparking an interest in working in the sector.

“It is a unique time to join an organisation as the sector deals with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. I am excited to join Wheatley and begin my career in housing.”

Abby Turnbull, who graduated with a degree in Psychology from Heriot-Watt University, is joining the programme as a housing graduate.

Abby, who will initially be working as a Dunedin Canmore housing officer, was previously a health and wellbeing co-ordinator at Wheatley Care.

The 24-year-old from West Lothian, said: “I really loved my job with Wheatley Care supporting vulnerable individuals in the community, and wanted a further challenge and career progression within Wheatley Group.

“I have seen first-hand the struggles and challenges the people living in our communities face, and I am looking forward to supporting customers as a housing officer in Edinburgh.”

Lesley Wilkinson, Wheatley director of employee relations, said: “It is an exciting time as we welcome our new Ignite graduates, the next generation of housing leaders.

“Wheatley Group is delighted that these talented and ambitious young people, who share our social purpose and ethos, are joining us. Our graduates will go on to become leaders in housing and business, helping make homes and lives better for our customers.

“I am thrilled we have been able to launch the second year of our graduate programme during these exceptional times and look forward to seeing what our graduates achieve throughout their careers at Wheatley and beyond.”