Whiteinch & Scotstoun Housing Association continues youth employment partnership

Brogan, a young woman who stays within the local community, had ambitions to become a painter and decorator, and thanks to her hard work and partnership with Working Rite and its relationship with Whiteinch & Scotstoun Housing Association, Brogan has achieved her goal.

Whiteinch & Scotstoun Housing Association work with JS Harvie for its external paint programme. JS Harvie was asked if it would be willing to take on a Working Rite applicant on a 12-week work experience course.

Grant Gibson, managing director, was delighted at the opportunity to take on a young and hard-working person: “After hearing about Whiteinch and Scotstoun Housing Association’s emphasis on Community Benefits, I approached Dougie Wemyss of Working Rite who arranged the 12-week programme with Brogan. To be honest, I was a little apprehensive at first as we had never had a female employee on the “tools”, and I was unsure how she would fit into what was a male-dominated workforce.

“The placement was 36 hours per week and ran over a 12-week period. It involved Brogan working alongside a designated mentor, who would teach Brogan the basic skills required for the trade - and more importantly to find out if Brogan had the aptitude and skill set required for the work involved - and secondly, to see if the job met Brogan’s expectations and could she see this as a potential career path.

“Over the 12-week placement, we had regular meetings with Dougie, Brogan and myself to discuss her progress and to see how Brogan was finding the work. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Brogan was enjoying the placement and could see herself making a career in Painting & Decorating. The feedback I received from her mentors was always positive and Brogan’s attendance and timekeeping were 100% for the duration.

“At the end of the 12-week period, we had no hesitation in offering Brogan the position of Apprentice Painter & Decorator and I’m delighted to say that her official employment with JS Harvie & Co commenced in November. Her Apprenticeship will last 4 years and will involve a combination of college attendance and onsite work for the first 2 years, with her final 2 years being site-based to improve her skill set.

“Brogan now becomes the second work placement applicant that we have offered permanent employment to through working alongside Working Rite. I am very optimistic that Brogan will complete her Apprenticeship and become a Qualified Tradesperson and valued member of the JS Harvie workforce.”

Maureen from Working Rite is also delighted with the progress that Brogan has made: “It’s the perfect time to highlight such a strong example of local partnership working to support the success of a young woman progressing into a traditionally male-dominated trade. This is a real milestone for everyone involved — Brogan securing her dream job, JS Harvie employing their first female painter and decorator, and the partnership between Working Rite and Whiteinch and Scotstoun Housing Association growing even stronger for the benefit of local young people.”

Debs Allan, communities manager, and main liaison between the Association and Working Rite, added: “We are delighted to congratulate Brogan on her incredible progress and success. Her journey is a shining example of what can be achieved when strong partnerships come together to support local young people.

“Through the Pathfinder programme, and with the combined efforts of Working Rite, DRC Youth Project, and JS Harvie Painters, Brogan has turned her ambition into reality, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated trade and securing her own tenancy along the way. At Whiteinch & Scotstoun Housing Association, we are proud to play a part in creating opportunities that build confidence, skills, and brighter futures for our community. Brogan’s story reminds us why partnership working matters and truly makes a difference.”