Young people living in Edinburgh and the east can get their career off to a great start thanks to Wheatley Group.

The housing, care and property-management group is recruiting six school-leavers to join its Modern Apprentice programme.

Applications are now open for the two-year Environmental or Business Administration apprenticeships.

Successful applicants will work across Wheatley and its partner organisations in the east, including Dunedin Canmore, West Lothian Housing Partnership and Barony.

Wheatley’s apprenticeships programme is run by its charitable trust the Wheatley Foundation which supports people living in Wheatley communities across Scotland, including helping tackle unemployment.

Wheatley Foundation director Lorraine McLaren said: “We want to give young people in our communities the best start in life. A modern apprenticeship is a fantastic way to get your foot on the career ladder and learn new skills.

“Whether you love working outdoors and want to learn about environmental and grounds maintenance or if you want a career in business support services, like finance or legal, then we have an apprenticeship to suit everyone.”

Successful candidates must be aged 16-19 and don’t need any formal qualifications to apply.

Caitlin Donald, 20, lives in a Wheatley community in Edinburgh. She spent two years learning about Business Administration – culminating in being named Scottish Apprentice of the Year by the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Caitlin said: “I have learned so much from my apprenticeship. I’d never worked in an office before so I’ve learned lots of new skills including dealing with customers and working as part of a team.

“It’s a great programme – everyone I’ve worked with has been really supportive and helpful. It’s a really good qualification you get as part of the programme, not to mention lots of on-the-job training. It’s a great start to your career.”

Apprentices receive a leading benefits package, including pay starting at £4.53 per hour, expert training, a Scottish Vocational Qualification, travel expenses, 28 days’ holiday and discounted driving lessons.

More information about the modern apprenticeship opportunities can be found at www.wheatley-group.com.