Housing Scotland Apprentice Event
SFHA holds first ever event to focus on housing apprenticeships
Yesterday, the SFHA held the first ever event to focus on housing apprenticeships. The federation’s Housing Scotland Apprentice Event was attended by employers and apprentices from across Scotland and explored how our sector can invest in young people. More importantly, it discussed why it is vital to do so.
Minister for Employability and Training Jamie Hepburn MSP gave a keynote speech and detailed the government’s work on apprenticeships. Presentations were also given by apprentices who explained the positive impact their apprenticeships have had. Current housing apprentice employers detailed their own experiences, and organisations, such as Skills Development Scotland, explained how they can assist housing associations that would like to employ apprentices.
The event also saw the return of the SFHA’s Apprentice Challenge which saw young people from housing associations and co-operatives from across Scotland creating a presentation which aimed to find solutions to common issues in the social housing sector. Team one was voted the winner after its presentation on encouraging young people into the housing sector was voted in first place by delegates. The team included:
- Alan Nicolson – Team Leader - ng homes
- Abigail Fox - Kingdom Housing Association
- Gemma Connell - Clydebank Housing Association
- Richard Miller - Kingdom Housing Asssociation
- Grant Connor - Argyll Community Housing Association
- Alistair McWatt - Link Group
- Mya Moffat - Bellsmyre Housing Association
The SFHA would like to thank CMS Windows, Repaircare, and City Gate Construction for sponsoring the event and the Furnishing Service for sponsoring the apprentice t-shirts. Thanks also go to all speakers, chairs, exhibitors and the planning group.
A full report on the conference will be featured in the SFHA’s new quarterly magazine which will be out at the beginning of June.