Housing apprenticeship is approved

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New award to raise skills across growing sector

Sep 2009

A new apprenticeship for housing at level 3 has been officially approved following work by Asset Skills to bring it up to date and ensure it is meeting the needs of employers.

The sector has undergone significant changes in relation to the recession and recent environmental regulations, changes that have impacted greatly on the role of staff.

The apprenticeship includes a brand new NVQ qualification aimed at a wide range of job roles such as Housing Support Officer, Maintenance Officer and Community Development Officer as well as more traditional housing roles.

The award will help staff deal with demands linked to the environmental agenda, sustainability and the recession.

Work on the apprenticeship in housing at level 2 will take place soon and is not expected to be completed until 2010.

Call for housing assessors

Meanwhile, training provider the Centre for Housing and Support (CHS), part of Cornwall College, is looking to expand its team of NVQ assessors as part of the housing apprenticeship offered in South West England.

If you are interested in getting involved, or would like more information on the housing apprenticeships, please email Gill Spatcher on gspatcher@assetskills.org or call 0845 678 2 888.

Other new qualifications for the sector include the Foundation Degree in Housing which is now available at the City of Bristol College in partnership with the University of Plymouth.

This is a wide-ranging qualification covering most areas of housing work in the public, private and third sectors. For more please email HEinformation@cityofbristol.ac.uk or call 0117 312 5211.