A 19-YEAR-OLD girl is now cancer free and believes that working helped change her life.

Rachael Wilson feared she would miss out after she applied for an apprenticeship scheme but was later diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma.

She was invited to apply for Wheatley group's modern apprentice scheme in 2014 and said it was "heartbreaking" watching her friends start work and college when she was faced with starting chemotherapy.

The teenager, from Dennistoun, said: "But then Wheatley Group got in touch and asked if I would like them to keep me a place on the modern apprenticeship scheme for the following year – and this gave me hope.

“Throughout my treatment, they kept in touch and were very supportive, which made me eager to get better and start work.”

Rachael, who is now in remission and cancer-free, is employed as a business administration modern apprentice at Wheatley Group’s head office in the city centre.

Her apprenticeship has had a life-changing impact, she said.

She added: "It has helped change my life because, after my treatment I was just sitting around doing nothing, and now I’m in an office, working with others, which I really enjoy.

“Completing my SVQ has helped me regain the confidence that I lost when I wasn’t well. The apprenticeship programme has helped me develop; I’m confident now.”

When she finishes her apprenticeship Rachael would like to stay in the housing sector.

She is one of 19 young people taking part in the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations’ (SFHA) Apprentice Challenge.

It involves young people from SFHA member housing associations and co-operatives from across Scotland creating video diaries of their apprenticeships which will be presented at the SFHA’s annual conference on June 1 and 2.

Elaine Melrose, executive director of resources at Wheatley Group, said: "Rachael is a fantastic addition to our team and I’m looking forward to her having a long and rewarding career with us.

“Our apprenticeship programme is a great way of increasing opportunities for young people in our communities.

“Our ambition is to increase the number of apprenticeship places we can offer young people every year."

Mary Taylor, SFHA chief executive, said: “It is vital that our sector continues to support and encourage young people, and Wheatley Group’s modern apprenticeship scheme is an excellent example of this in practice.

“We know that the apprenticeships which our members provide have a very positive effect on young people who enter the sector. The impact that Rachael’s modern apprenticeship has had on her life is fantastic, and we wish her all the best for the challenge.”