Three teenagers from the Heywood and Middleton North constituency have spent two days with First Choice Homes Oldham as part of MP Elsie Blundell's Fly High Summer School.
The students were given an insight into the work of the housing association and its role in supporting communities across Oldham.
Emaan Hassan, Caryn-Ann Sarpong-Kumankomah and Charlie Wilcock, who are all aged 16, spent two days at First Choice Homes Oldham last week.
The group was mentored by chief executive Mark Gifford and members of the senior leadership team, while also spending time with departments including development, neighbourhood services, sustainability and the customer contact centre.
First Choice Homes Oldham also donated £300 to the Fly High Summer School to help fund the group's visit to the Houses of Parliament in London.
Reflecting on the experience, Emaan Hassan said, "The main aspect that surprised me was how large First Choice Homes is, I didn't expect there to be so many employees and departments behind the scenes."
Caryn-Ann Sarpong-Kumankomah said, "Meeting the chief executive was particularly helpful as he taught us about having a unique selling point to differentiate ourselves from other people and I think this is really useful information that I will need in the future, especially when I am applying for university."
Charlie Wilcock added, "Seeing how many people and departments are behind social housing and how many homes there are and how many communities are actually under this organisation was a surprise."
Mark Gifford, chief executive of First Choice Homes Oldham, said, "Everyone at FCHO was really pleased to have these impressive young people with us and we were delighted to show them how we work and the important and wide ranging job we do as a social housing provider.
"It was also important to support a local MP's summer school. This is a great way for young people to gain access to organisations and to get a good understanding of how our democracy works.
"It is particularly pleasing our donation was used to ensure this group was able to travel to London and see parliament first hand."
Heywood and Middleton North MP Elsie Blundell said, "I'm so grateful to everyone at First Choice Homes Oldham for giving Emaan, Caryn-Ann and Charlie such a warm welcome and a genuine insight into the incredible work that goes into providing homes and supporting communities across our area.
"The Fly High Summer School is all about opening doors, building confidence and giving young people opportunities they might not otherwise have.
"I'm also incredibly thankful to FCHO for their generous £300 sponsorship, which helped make our visit to Parliament possible.
"Partnerships like this show what can be achieved when local organisations invest in the next generation."
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