Trainees and apprenticeships are being taken on as part of a £36 million housing renewal programme in east London.

Seven trainees so far have joined Keepmoat Regeneration contractors on a three-year programme of fitting new kitchens bathrooms, heating and rewiring council properties for Tower Hamlets Homes.

They include apprentice electricians and an apprentice carpenter as well as administrators and liaison officers to keep in touch with tenants while the work is being carried out. Others will follow.

One contract just completed was a £1.5m programme for East Thames Housing for new roofs, windows, kitchens, bathrooms and rewiring in 200 properties.