As part of Year 2 of our Communities and Livelihoods Action Plan (2025/26), we committed to promoting volunteering opportunities and offering work placements that help inspire careers in housing. To support this commitment, we launched two Modern Apprenticeship opportunities during Scottish Apprenticeship Week back in March.

Following a strong response to the vacancies, we were delighted to welcome Beth, our Housing Apprentice, and Maria, our Business Administration Apprentice, to the Riverside Scotland team this summer.

These apprenticeship opportunities provide valuable hands-on experience, professional qualifications and career development, while helping us encourage local people to consider a future within the housing sector.

Introducing Beth

Beth joins Riverside as our Housing Modern Apprentice. After spending many years working in hospitality, she decided it was time for a new challenge and took the opportunity to pursue a career in housing.

Speaking about her appointment, Beth said:

“I decided I needed a change of career after working in hospitality for many years and decided to apply for the Modern Apprenticeship in Housing with Riverside, thinking nothing would come of it, and here we are!”

Since joining the team, Beth has been learning about the many different aspects of housing services and has particularly enjoyed spending time out in our communities alongside our Tenant Partners and Asset Officer.

“I have been really enjoying learning about the housing industry and going out and about with the Tenant Partners and Asset, and I am excited to learn more.”

Outside of work, Beth enjoys spending time with family and friends, crocheting handmade items and attending yoga classes.

Introducing Maria

Maria joins Riverside as our Business Administration Modern Apprentice, bringing a wealth of customer service and administration experience gained through previous roles in hospitality and collections administration.

Originally from Italy, Maria moved to the UK nine years ago and has built a varied career before making the move to Scotland and taking the next step in her professional development. One of Maria’s standout skills is her ability to speak four languages fluently: Italian, French, English and Spanish!

Maria said, “I look forward to learning about the housing sector and working closely with everyone. Although my Modern Apprenticeship is focused on Business Administration, I have recently begun learning more about the processes involved in annual gas safety checks and five-yearly electrical inspections. I am still learning the basics of these procedures, but I look forward to learning the tasks more in depth.

“As part of this role, I have been responsible for contacting tenants to arrange appointments and liaising with their Tenant Partners when I have been unable to reach them directly. This has enabled me to work and build a relationship with more colleagues across the business while supporting the smooth coordination of essential safety inspections.”

When she’s not at work, Maria enjoys cooking, trying new recipes and spending time with friends and family.

Gary Naylor, Managing Director of Riverside Scotland, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Beth and Maria to Riverside Scotland. Modern Apprenticeships are a fantastic way of providing people with the opportunity to gain valuable experience, develop new skills and build rewarding careers. Investing in apprenticeships is an important part of our commitment to supporting local communities and creating pathways into employment and we are proud to be able to offer two opportunities.

“Starting a new role and beginning a new career can be both exciting and challenging, so it’s great that Beth and Maria can be there for one another as they settle into their roles and develop their skills together. We look forward to supporting Beth and Maria throughout their apprenticeship journey and watching them grow and succeed as part of our fantastic team.”

Welcome to Riverside Scotland, Beth and Maria!