Call for apprentices as Council increases investment in homes

Apprentice poster

Adverts are now live for over 30 jobs and apprenticeships across a variety of roles as part of the council’s plan to hire over 80 recruits in the housing service in the coming weeks.

Designed to boost inhouse capacity to maintain, improve and repair tenants' homes, the raft of positions will cover everything from plastering, painting and plumbing to carrying out emergency repairs. Opportunities are available to develop skills in joinery, gas engineering and to join the capital investment team.

Craft apprenticeships are available which will provide budding tradespeople with the opportunity to earn a qualification and learn new skills while being paid. Every role forms part of a team with lots of support and mentoring and a college place to become fully qualified.

Graduate apprenticeships have also been created which will involve working within the council's surveying team and attending university to gain a BSc (Hons) in Construction and the Built Environment. Successful applicants will learn design skills, contract and risk management and financial costings. 

Further posts will be advertised soon, with details of all positions to be found on Myjobscotland.

Kerr Williamson, Empty Homes Team Leader at the City of Edinburgh Council and a former apprentice, said:

"Sending in my apprenticeship application was the greatest thing I ever did. Nine years on, I've progressed to become an empty homes team leader. I worked as an apprentice for four years, worked on the tools then shadowed my boss to gain the knowledge I needed to do the job I'm in now. Working for the council's housing service means working as part of a team where we are all trying to provide a good standard of work, repair homes quickly and see tenants able to move back in to them.

 

The perks are building good relationships with a team of people, a guaranteed monthly wage and being able to arrange jobs in advance so that you can plan your day and your week. There is a good holiday allowance, sick pay and discount scheme available. Plus, there is room for progression."

Councillor Jane Meagher, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said:

"With over 80 in-house roles being advertised in the coming weeks, this is one of the biggest recruitment drives we've ever carried out within the council's housing service.

 

"It comes at a time of big challenges with demand for affordable and energy efficient housing in Edinburgh at an all time high. Our stock of council homes is aging and we are in the process of investing millions of pounds into improving older homes. We are cracking down on issues like damp and by boosting our workforce we'll be able to increase our ability to carry out repairs to tenants' homes and do this quickly. We also have a big housebuilding programme which means recruits can develop skills and expertise in-house to maintain people’s homes with solar panels and new technology.  

 

"With apprentices forming such a valuable part of our workforce I'm pleased that we're able to offer a variety of posts to support young people and graduates into careers. We're committed to be being a fair Living Wage employer with a diverse workforce and these are excellent paid opportunities to learn new skills and gain qualifications."

Additional information:

Apply for a role through Myjobscotland

Working for the City of Edinburgh Council

We’re proud to work together for the people of Edinburgh – making a positive difference to the city and the lives of our residents and communities every single day. But this can only happen through the hard work and commitment of our colleagues, who are the most valuable part of our organisation.

We’re committed to creating a workplace that we all want to be part of, one:

  • that is open, positive, inclusive and safe
  • that supports and allows everyone to be their best self and do their best work
  • that celebrates the benefits of our diversity
  • where everyone feels trusted, valued and recognised for their contribution.

An organisation founded on Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility.

If you're the kind of person who enjoys making a difference to people's lives, then look at our vacancies and see if there's an opportunity that suits you and your skills.

The benefits of working with the Council include 27 days annual leave and six public holidays, a pension, discounts on Edinburgh Leisure gym membership and access to a discount programme including bikes and accessories through a cycle to work scheme.

Published: May 29th 2023