When the opportunities were advertised back in June, the response was overwhelming: from over 300 initial applicants a shortlist of 70 was drawn up. These young people then attended extensive and rigorous assessment days in July for the much sought-after places.

The seven apprentices are Ben Bryce (Plasterer), Aidan Armstrong (Plasterer), Ben Gray (Plumber), Ryan McCabe (Joiner), Sean Hughes (Joiner), Scott Higgins (Electrician) and Christopher Kelly (Joiner).

Their apprenticeships last for four years and they are currently spending two weeks ‘on the job’, then two weeks at college. Their colleges are in Paisley, Greenock, Glasgow and Ayr.

All seem to be enjoying the transition from school to college and the workplace, (although Scott had been studying electrical engineering at college for a year).

Their workplace experience involves accompanying HFS trades to customers’ homes and seeing first-hand how the job is done and undertaking some practice as learned at college.

Sean Hughes is following in hallowed footsteps. His great grandfather was the legendary Benny Hughes who worked for the Housing Department at Inverclyde Council for over 40 years. “I’ve a lot to live up to,” says Sean. “But no pressure.”

Derek Ferguson, managing director of Home Fix Scotland, said: “This additional tranche of apprentices complements an already successful programme that is nearing completion. Apprenticeship schemes are very much back on the agenda these days and the number of original applicants speaks volumes about how learning a trade is seen as a route to a job for life.

“As we know, there is a genuine shortage of qualified trades people and HFS is happy not only to be able to give these young people a start, but to be supporting employment in the Inverclyde economy.”