Wates Living Space has employed two young people from Inverclyde to work on site as part of its Scottish Housing Quality Standard (SHQS) refurbishment contract for River Clyde Homes.

The contractor is currently undertaking a range of improvement works to local properties which includes kitchens, bathrooms and rewires and external refurbishment works. As part of its commitment to support the local community, the affordable housing contractor offered work experience placements to young people with the aim of promoting long-term employment opportunities.

Wates Living Space approached the YouthBuild programme, run by Action for Children, to provide work experience for Ross Maxwell, 23 and Ryan Patterson, 19. YouthBuild provides training, access to employment and support for young people with the aim of developing their existing skills and preparing them for work in a professional environment. Wates’ longstanding relationship with the programme has previously seen it successfully place a number of candidates in full time posts.

Both young men showed a keen interest during their four week placements, working alongside experienced tradesmen learning about joinery, plumbing, plastering and general operative skills. Their hardwork and enthusiasm has now earned them permanent posts with Wates Living Space for the duration of the works.

Gary Mackie, project manager for Wates Living Space, said: “Wates Living Space and River Clyde Homes wanted to engage positively with the local community of Inverclyde during the refurbishment works. Providing work experience placements offered an ideal opportunity. This has enabled us to offer valuable training that will aid the long-term career prospects of these local young people.

“Both apprentices have shown a real commitment and determination that has led to full time employment and we are delighted that they will be joining the wider Wates Living Space team working on this project.”

Graham McDowall, investment property & development manager at River Clyde Homes, added: “We are committed to creating opportunities for young people in Inverclyde that give employment and training development to help them kickstart their careers. This has been a great chance to work with Wates to ensure that programmes such as these are offered through the property refurbishment projects. We wish both Ross and Ryan the very best for the future.”