How did you first hear about jobs in housing?

I knew about the Housing Executive and the Direct Labour Organisation but I thought they only worked on the houses. I didn't realise they also worked and maintained the estates and carried out gardening work.

How did you find further information about a career in housing?

I researched about the organisation on the internet and found out more information about the course that was part of the apprenticeship programme. There was also a good bit of information provided in the job description with the recruitment pack.

What was it that appealed to you when you were thinking about a job in housing?

I was working with the University of Ulster on a three month rolling contract as a grounds person. When they decided that they no longer needed grounds people I started looking on the internet for other work. I saw the job in housing and felt that it could offer me better opportunities and a more stable job. It also provided me with good benefits including paid annual leave, which is something that I had never had before while working on a temporary contract with the university.

I also liked the fact that it was an apprenticeship programme with the opportunity to improve my skills and gain another recognised qualification.

How did you get your first job in housing?

I was looking on the internet for a permanent job when I saw the trainee grounds person advertised on the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) website. I applied for the programme, was interviewed shortly afterwards and got the job. The training programme on offer meant that I had to agree to complete the NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture and a number of other relevant certificates before getting a permanent job.

What personal skills and qualifications did you have that helped you secure your first job in housing?

I had already been working in Grounds Maintenance for a couple of years with the university and had my Certificate in Horticulture.

I also had my full driving license which was needed for the job and a full tractor license.

What skills & training have you gained since you have had your job in housing?

I have completed my NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture and my National Certificate in Horticulture. I have also gained the Certificate for Lawn Machinery, the Certificate in PA1 and PA6 Spraying and First Aid. These courses were all supported and paid for by the Housing Executive as part of the trainee programme.

I am currently completing the driving training for my car and trailer license.

Describe a typical day?

The job varies from day to day between grass cutting, cleaning, planting, maintenance of grassed areas and machinery. Often an elderly person will contact the office if they are unable to work in their garden. I go round and cut the grass, prune the shrub beds and look after their garden.

I work on empty properties and clean and maintain the gardens. I also report any maintenance jobs that are needed, such as damage to the outside of the property.

In the winter time I do tree, bulb and shrub planting. In the summer and autumn I spray round the tree bases and along obstacles on the greens such as lampposts and manholes. This saves having to carry out too much strimming when cutting the grass.

What would you tell people who are interested in a housing career?

I would tell them that the Housing Executive is a good place to work. I am never confined to the one area and get the opportunity to go out and about every day. I also carry out a variety of tasks rather than having to focus on just one.

I also like the security of the job and knowing that I am here full time.