A housing association has created an apprenticeship programme aimed at giving young students work experience.

One Housing Group have partnered with Tower Hamlets council to help ten residents, not in education, employment or training, gain experience working while completing an NVQ qualification in youth work.

The programme was launched at an event hosted by Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman at Town Hall on Tuesday, October 2.

Nazrul Islam, head of employment and training, said: “It is getting more and more difficult for young people to get the necessary skills and work experience to be able to compete in the job market.

“Our employment and training team provide personalised support to empower the trainees to complete their qualification, gain transferable skills and ultimately gain employment.”

Mayor Rahman added: “I am delighted to work in partnership with One Housing Group to invest in the future of our young people.

“I have protected front line youth services and have committed to invest further in projects such as the Hailbury Youth Centre.

“Working together we can improve the lives of all our residents.”