Housing minister John Healey has made the creation of apprenticeships a requirement of affordable housing contracts, calling on housing associations to "raise their game".
It is estimated that around 1,500 places could be created through the move. This is on top of the 1,300 places the government hopes to create in the construction industry through the Prime Minister's £1.5bn housing pledge, announced earlier this year.
Healey said: "I want to make sure we get the most for every taxpayer's pound. That's why, for the first time, housing associations bidding for government cash will now be required to offer apprenticeships and local jobs.
"We're using the power of government procurement to create local jobs and a stronger skills base for the future."
