A Watford housing association is taking on more apprentices after a successful scheme last year.

Watford Community Housing Trust has expanded its in-house repairs team to turn around empty properties for re-letting – a service previously contracted out.

Included in this group are two new apprentices, who replace previous apprentices at the trust after they successfully completed their qualifications and are now employed as permanent members of the Gateway Repairs Team.

Two business graduate trainees also successfully completed their courses and have begun their permanent roles with the trust.

Andy Christophis, Gateway Repairs team leader for the trust, said: “I am delighted that we have recruited three enthusiastic apprentices and our other new recruits. This is a positive step for the trust and shows that we are thinking of the future whilst also employing local people.”

Watford MP Richard Harrington, apprenticeship adviser to the Prime Minister, said: "It’s great to see so many budding apprentices and operatives starting at the trust. I know they have just started but they definitely seem grateful for their opportunity, and once again Watford is showing to be a leader in employment, especially for the new wave of apprenticeships of the future."