Housing, care and property management group Wheatley has this year doubled its number of Modern Apprentices.

Forty-one young people from some of the country’s most deprived communities have been taken on by Wheatley and its nine partner organisations across Central Scotland which include GHA, Cube and Loretto Housing.

They will study for an SVQ in subjects ranging from housing and business administration to horticulture and care during their two-year apprenticeships.

The apprenticeships are supported by the Group’s new charitable foundation, set up to fund and run a wide range of social and economic programmes that help thousands of people in Wheatley communities lead better lives.

Sir Harry Burns, chair of Wheatley Foundation, said: “Our award-winning Modern Apprenticeships are assisting young people across Scotland forge a brighter future for themselves.

“Having met many of this year’s intake, I know how inspired and valued these young people feel and how determined and motivated they are to make the most of the opportunities they have earned.”

Kaylee Duncan, 19, from Blairdardie in Glasgow, is working with Cube Housing Association, one of Wheatley’s partner organisations.

The mum of two-year-old Kaiden and a tenant of GHA, another Wheatley partner, said: “I’ve wanted to work in housing for a few years. I like the thought of helping people every day and doing what you can to help make people’s lives better.

“Wheatley wants to help improve people’s lives and I’m excited about being part of that. I can’t wait to meet tenants.”

A total of 238 Modern Apprentices have been taken on since the scheme was launched in 2009. More than two-thirds of the young people who have completed the programme have gone into work or full-time education.

Wheatley Foundation oversees a ground-breaking range of programmes, projects and activities across Central Scotland that tackles: