A GLASGOW shopfitting company is giving people the chance to turn their lives around - by opening up apprenticeship places to people of any age.

Morris and Spottiswood's new programme, aimed at promoting jobs for young people and long-term unemployed - including those over 21 - has been designed in conjunction with Glasgow City Council.

Trainee candidates for the 16-week course have been found through Castlemilk Economic Development Agency.

So far, the firm has three adult apprentice plumbers and two joiners on the scheme. Most are in their late 20s, with the oldest being 35.

One of those who has benefited is William Johnston, 26, from Parkhead, who had not had a job for years until he was taken on as an adult apprentice by the fit-out and maintenance services provider.

After a 13-week training programme with the company, he was hired as an apprentice plumber and is now learning skills such as the installation and maintenance of pipework and heating repairs.

Mr Johnston said: "I used to be just sitting about the house and would not go out or do anything.

"Now I am learning something different on site every day and that helps me with the tests we get in college.

"It has benefited me a lot and I have a bit of confidence to go and do work on my own.

"It is enjoyable to get home from work and relax knowing I have a good day's work under my belt."

Dougie Bennett, managing director of maintenance and social housing division at the company's offices in Govan, said: "This is giving people an opportunity to get into the industry who might think job doors are closed to them.

"We are also fulfilling our social responsibility as an organisation to employ people in and around the areas where we are working.

"If the skills are not there, how do we get them? That is where the apprenticeships come in. We are not just creating employment, but making the industry a more attractive career option."

The company, the third biggest shopfitting firm in the UK, spends £500,000 a year on its apprenticeship programme.

For the past two years it has been voted one of Britain's top 100 Best Companies to Work For in an annual league table.

Mr Bennett added: "If you keep people happy, train them well and make their work environment as good as it can be, you will get the best out of them."