KEIGHLEY social housing group Incommunities has taken on its latest intake of graduate trainees on a 12-month programme which has scooped a national industry award.

The organisation’s graduate employment mentoring programme has signed its eighth intake of budding housing professionals. Twenty graduates have joined the latest programme.

They have joined as the GEM programme was named the best training scheme at the 2015 24housing awards.

The GEM programme is run by the housing group’s Centre for Partnership and includes paid work experience with more than 20 housing associations and local authorities in England and Scotland.

Each recruit on the latest programme will receive leadership training along with paid internships at 11 organisations.

Geraldine Howley, Incommunities group chief executive, said: “Winning the 24housing award is a fabulous achievement and fitting recognition for the commitment of our GEM students, tutors and partners.

“The award also reflects a fantastic journey for the GEM programme – from its launch in 2009 as a West Yorkshire-based project to become a UK-wide venture. Our latest recruits are not only joining an award-winning programme but one that is developing a strong track record in investing in young housing talent.”

Trevor Smith, director of the Centre for Partnership, added: “Winning this prestigious award provides a wonderful platform from which to expand the programme further and develop our career offer for young people."