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Welcome Jenna! Meet our 2026 Irene Robertson Fund intern

Posted on 19th May 2026

Welcome Jenna! Barrowfield local Jenna Robertson joins the WSHA team as 2026’s Irene Robertson Fund intern 

Jenna, 19, has been chosen as this year’s recipient of West of Scotland Housing Association’s Irene Robertson Qualification Fund, which supports one young person from WSHA neighbourhoods a year to work alongside our team and take their first steps into a career in Housing.

Established in memory of WSHA’s long-serving and much-loved colleague who passed away unexpectedly in 2024, the Irene Robertson Qualification Fund provides interns with the valuable combination of an academic qualification coupled with practical experience. 

During her six months with WSHA, Jenna will complete a fully-funded Introduction to Housing qualification from Chartered Institute of Housing. She’ll also spend 16 weeks at WSHA’s head office in Barrowfield, Glasgow, where she will learn from colleagues across the Association, gaining insight into the range and variety of careers available in the Housing sector. 

Jenna Robertson Irene Robertson intern 26

On receiving the fund, Jenna said: 

“I applied for the Irene Robertson Fund internship because I’d like to make a difference in people’s lives and help those who may be struggling. WSHA has a variety of ways in which you can do this, which I will soon learn more about. The internship is a great way to get younger people involved within the housing association and help build knowledge as well as experience. This is why I feel this is such a great opportunity for me. I’m looking forward to learning more and gaining great experience during my time with WSHA.”

Other benefits of the internship include Chartered Institute of Housing membership for the year, which provides access to events, training and networking opportunities, and a free, year-long membership of Share, the leading provider of training to the social housing sector.

During her placement, Jenna will be mentored by previous Irene Robertson intern, Tia Coutts, who successfully completed her placement in 2025 and moved into full-time employment with WSHA as a Retirement Assistant. With first hand experience of the placement, Tia is the perfect candidate to make sure Jenna is getting as much as possible from her time at West of Scotland.  

Speaking of the Qualification Fund, Tia said:

‘Joining West of Scotland Housing Association as an intern was such a valuable experience. It has allowed me to learn more about the housing sector, develop workplace skills, and understand the important role housing associations play in supporting local communities. I have now achieved a level 2 housing qualification through the fund and work for WSHA full-time, so I am eternally grateful for the Irene Robertson fund as I wouldn’t be where I am without it.’   

Jenna will complete her Chartered Institute of Housing qualification and placement with WSHA in October 2026.