AN innovative graduate career-building programme run by social housing group Incommunities has seen all 21 students secure qualifications and jobs.

A total of 21 recruits to the fifth cohort of the Graduate Employment Mentoring (GEM) programme it runs have passed the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) level four professional qualification and each secured permanent jobs.

The students' work was recognised at an awards ceremony at Incommunities' headquarters in Victoria Street, Shipley.

Students secured placements with eight employers, including Incommunities, South Yorkshire Housing Association and law firm Trowers and Hamlin.

The GEM programme, developed by The Centre for Partnership, part of Incommunities, started in 2009 and has expanded into a national concern, featuring more than 30 housing associations across the country offering traineeships.

Gareth Robinson, one of the graduates who secured a job with Incommunities' welfare reform team, said: "The GEM programme has given me the perfect start to build the right career for me.

"I am thrilled to have achieved such a prestigious professional qualification and I now work as a team leader.

"I am also proud to be giving something back as a tutor on the new Junior GEM programme."