Thursday November 5th 2026
Young apprentices at work in a void Council house
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
A record number of apprentices are being trained by the City of Edinburgh Council as it looks to strengthen its housing repairs service and improve the quality of homes across the capital.
The latest intake of nine trainees through the council’s Modern Apprenticeship programme brings the total number of apprentices in its Housing service to 25.
The apprentices are gaining experience in trades including painting and decorating, joinery and plumbing, helping to develop the skilled workforce needed to carry out repairs and improvements to council homes.
The council said growing its in-house team would play an important role in bringing empty properties back into use and improving living conditions for existing tenants.
Joinery apprentice Harry said he had particularly enjoyed carrying out repairs in tenants’ homes and seeing projects through from start to finish.
He said: “I’ve mostly been doing repairs and I’ve been enjoying it, all the tenants are really nice.
“I like being able to visualise things, like building kitchens – having a view on what it could look like and then doing it and seeing the result at the end of it. It’s quite a good process, it’s satisfying.”
Painting and decorating apprentice Sarah said the variety of jobs had given her the opportunity to develop different skills and learn new techniques.
She added: “My experience with the Council jobs are great – they all have been so different, so I get a chance to experience different techniques and ways to fix the problems.”
Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said the apprentices would help the council tackle pressures caused by the city’s housing emergency.
He said: “In Edinburgh we continue to face a Housing Emergency, with demand for homes high and thousands of people living in temporary accommodation.
“Trainees brought in through the Modern Apprenticeship programme play a key role in bringing more homes into use and improving the comfort and quality of our tenants’ homes.
“I’m delighted to see a whole new intake of apprentices developing their skills across our estate, who will eventually have the opportunity of a permanent role at the Council when they complete their training.”
The council declared a housing emergency in November 2023 amid rising homelessness, affordability pressures and growing demand for homes.
In February, it committed a record £1.6 billion through its Housing and Homelessness Budget Investment Strategy to increase affordable housing and reduce reliance on temporary accommodation.
Returning empty council properties to use through repairs and improvements, alongside expanding the in-house workforce, forms part of that approach.
The council’s Modern Apprenticeship programme offers paid employment alongside practical experience and recognised qualifications, with opportunities also available in areas including social care, childcare, horticulture and business management.
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