A local housing association has been recognised for its work to help young people find jobs as part of a nationwide Government scheme.

Govan Housing Association was named runner-up in the nationwide Kickstart Awards and was the only housing provider in the UK to make it to the final shortlist.

The awards are named for the Kickstart Scheme from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which was a £2bn fund designed to help young people into work by giving them six months work experience with employers.

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Govan Housing Association’s repair wing, the Govan Home Team, was recognised for developing young people’s talent in a programme that gave five young people between the age 18 and 24 a taste of working life in September last year.

Those who took part learned about keeping the local community environment neat and tidy, something tenants are passionate about.

Two young people involved in the scheme have since applied for full-time jobs with the housing association with potential to pursue fruitful careers in the housing sector.

Sarah-Jane Ewing, 21, took part in the Kickstart Scheme and said: “I found working for Govan Home Team a very rewarding experience.

“Kickstart helped me find out what it is like to be working and the discipline and responsibility which comes with paid employment.

“I would recommend it to anyone my age.”

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The project, which has now ended, was set up to help young people to be ready for employment opportunities.

Fiona McTaggart, chief executive of Govan Housing Association, said: “Like so many housing providers, we are committed to investing in young people - something which has always been part of our vision to help our community thrive.

“Achieving runner-up status in the Developing Talent category in the Kickstart Awards is very welcome.

“We are delighted with this success and commend the DWP for their commitment to helping make our engagement with Kickstart such a success.”

Kenny McGinty, head of Govan Home Team, added: “We feel very privileged to have been part of the Kickstart Scheme which has allowed us to give five young people a taste of working life.

“They have shown commitment and a ready appetite to learn in the time they spent with us.”

Senior representatives of the DWP in Scotland travelled to Govan Housing Association’s offices to present a framed certificate to mark the organisation’s success.