APPRENTICES with a housing association have celebrated their graduation from a training programme.

The 14 apprentices from Sovereign Housing Association, some of whom are also Sovereign residents, worked across the business in roles including multi-skilled operatives, housing officers and human resources.

They will now take up permanent jobs or continue their training and development with Sovereign.

A graduation event was held for them at Sandford Springs Golf Club, in Kingsclere, where the apprentices spoke about their roles and the valuable lessons they have learned during their first year.

Ross Andrews, who started at Sovereign as a trainee housing officer, moved into his new role as a permanent housing officer, in Winchester, five months ago.

He said: “Apprenticeships are a really good opportunity to get your foot in the door at a great company and start a great career. I was really lucky.”