Wheatley Group is recruiting around 50 Modern Apprentices to take their first steps on the career ladder on its two-year apprenticeship programme.

The award-winning Modern Apprenticeship programme has seen more than 350 young people join the organisation since 2009. It is run by the Wheatley Foundation as part of their programmes to tackle unemployment in their communities.

The successful candidates will work across Wheatley and its partner organisations including GHA, Cube, Loretto Housing, YourPlace and West Lothian Housing Partnership, while studying for an SVQ qualification. They’ll be able to pursue careers in different areas of the business, including housing, environmental and grounds maintenance, as well as business support services like finance, legal, communications and development.

Pamela Campbell, who is now 25, joined Wheatley Group as a Modern Apprentice in 2012 and says the opportunity was life changing for her and her young son.

Pamela, from Rutherglen, said: “I started my apprenticeship when my son was only nine months old and without gaining an apprenticeship with GHA, I doubt I would be in the position I am in now.

“It has made me a better and more confident person and given my son and me a better life.

“I applied because friends and family told me about it and it was a good opportunity. I wanted to do something that meant I could train and learn as well as earn. I now work as a housing officer and I really enjoy providing better homes for people in our community and being involved in people lives.”

Lewis Munro joined Wheatley Group as a Modern Apprentice last year. The 17 year-old, who is from Edinburgh and lives in a Dunedin Canmore home, said: “I started my apprenticeship in September and I now work in the property planning team at Dunedin Canmore.

“I applied for the apprenticeship because I am a tenant myself and have only had good experiences with the company.

“I really enjoy my job because of the people I get to do it with. I have been placed in the ideal team for me and I fit right in. There is a huge variety of work and new experiences every day.

“It’s a great opportunity because not only are you making friends and living through new experiences, you also get paid to learn and get a qualification at the end of it all.

“Working here has changed my life. It has made me more productive and given me an insight into office life and how different it is to what people expect. I have gained lots of new skills and also new friends. I’d recommend it to anyone.”

The Foundation, which is chaired by Scotland’s former Chief Medical Officer, Sir Harry Burns was set up to tackle poverty and disadvantage in Wheatley Group communities.

Wheatley Foundation director Lorraine McLaren said: “Wheatley is not only committed to making people’s homes better – we want to create a positive change in the lives of our customers too.

“We know young people in our communities have a lot to offer, but can face barriers in getting into work. Our Modern Apprentices are a great opportunity for them to take their first steps on the career ladder, while being supported to develop their skills in the workplace.

“It is open to anyone who is aged between 16 and 19 and you don’t need any formal qualifications to apply. You’ll be paid a real salary, and get benefits like travel expenses, 28 days holiday and a discount on driving lessons.”

Young people can apply to the Modern Apprenticeship scheme by visiting www.wheatley-group.com, or emailing their details to ma@wheatley-group.com by March 30 2018.