HARD-working Inverclyde apprentices are laying the foundations for a better future.

Eight new apprentices have been taken on at River Clyde Homes’ subsidiary company Home Fix Scotland.

Tasked with supporting HFS carry out repairs and maintenance to over 6,000 homes across the area, the intake includes three modern apprenticeships and five young apprentices - including two aspiring joiners, three roofers, two plasterers and a bricklayer.

Kyle Bradley, 17, an apprentice joiner, said he has found the scheme personally rewarding.

He said: “Growing up, my dad worked as a joiner and it was always something I was really interested in doing.

"The industry has so many different parts to it and lots of exciting projects that you can be a part of, which I don’t think many people know about.”

Fellow apprentice joiner Connor Walsh, says he is enjoying the on-the-job training.

The 22-year-old said: “With an apprenticeship, you get to see everything that the job involves.”

One of this year’s apprentice bricklayers, Lewis Rankin, 22, said he was impressed by the swift recruitment process.

He added: “It all happened so fast, I couldn’t believe it.

"You might think it would have been a bit daunting but that definitely wasn’t the case.”

Each apprentice is currently undergoing a four-year or two-year apprenticeship, depending on their age.

During this period, they are given the time, resources and knowledge to develop the skills and experience needed to develop an exciting career in the sector.

John Williams, a senior contracts manager at Home Fix Scotland, said an apprenticeship delivers on-the-job training, industry-recognised qualifications and genuine opportunities for career progression.

He said: “We’re focused on investing in our people and delivering quality programmes that make a real difference - not just to our workforce but also to Inverclyde.

“There’s no better time to start an apprenticeship.

"If you’ve got a can-do attitude and a willingness to learn then you will excel in this industry.”