A HOUSING association’s first-ever apprentice is continuing on the right track – more than ten years after joining.

Charlotte Wallace began working at Railway Housing Association aged 17, when she became its first apprentice in its 100-year-plus history.

Now aged 28, she has completed a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Building Studies and has been promoted to contracts coordinator.

She said: “I had to do an access course to begin the HNC so all in all, I have been studying for three years on day release and when I was not at work.

“It was challenging at times, but it has given me a great insight into areas such as building surveying, building technology and health and safety.”

Though now planning to take a rest from studying, she has not ruled out the possibility of doing a degree in the future.

She added: “The last 11 years have gone so quickly and it’s hard to believe I started as an apprentice and have worked my way up, and now even have a qualification to my name.”

Anne Rowlands, chief executive of Railway Housing Association, said: “We’re delighted for Charlotte.

"She’s an important member of the team and proved a long time ago that we made the right decision when we offered a full-time role when her apprenticeship ended.”