SIX building industry apprenticeships are to be created thanks to a £500,000 initiative.

The would-be joiners, plumbers and plasterers will be recruited by Inverclyde housing organisation River Clyde Homes.

Karen Neary, chief executive of the social landlord, said: "As well as improving housing, we are fully committed to making a positive and lasting contribution to the economic and social wellbeing of Inverclyde.

"A key part of this is the creation of a sustainable skills base and the apprenticeship programme will help achieve this through the creation of employment opportunities for local people."

The apprenticeships will be managed by Inverclyde Council with the recruits learning their trade over a four-year course.

A mixture of practical and classroom-based training at SVQ Level 3 will be provided with experience gained working for River Clyde Homes' maintenance team.

The apprenticeship scheme is being funded by River Clyde Homes and Skills Development Scotland - an organisation launched by the Scottish Government.