Member Article

Just Housing Group Launches Successful Apprenticeship Scheme

An apprenticeship scheme introduced by East London based housing and support services business, Just Housing Group, is proving to be a hugely successful model in developing young people in the local community.

The scheme first opened its doors to young individuals last year with the company welcoming eight young people to receive full training and development in a range of skills required in housing and support services, particularly in the income management field.

Since successfully completing the training programme – Out of Hours Income Officer Training - five apprentices are currently working with the Just Housing Group, whilst two other apprentices have secured full time employment positions with other companies utilising their new skills.

CEO of the JHG business, John Swinney, explained the company’s reason for setting up the apprenticeship scheme as dogged determination to give young people employment opportunities alongside the training and development that will keep them in work.

“We are delighted with the success of the scheme to date and have been greatly impressed with the quality of our apprentices. We are passionate about nurturing young talent and providing essential tools that will provide a future for local people.

“The challenges faced by the social housing sector in recent years has meant Local Authorities and RSLs have faced challenges in recruiting staff with the relevant housing and support services skill sets. As housing associations face increasing demands to cuts costs and resources, it is clear to see that young people – trained to the highest standards – can increase performance across the sector.”

The JHG recruitment division is well known in the industry for supplying temporary staff from team leaders and income officer’s right through to scalable out of hours arrears specialist teams.

The apprentices – from Tower Hamlets College – have also successfully completed an NVQ Level 3 course in customer service.

One of the apprentices to benefit from the scheme is Chantelle Matthews who has completed her qualification as an Out of Hours Income Officer and is now one of the company team. Speaking about his/her position at the company said: “It has been great to be given the opportunity to gain both first-hand experience in the workplace whilst also achieving a qualification. Just Housing Group has given me the confidence that I can develop a career in this industry through the extensive training support provided and I am keen to progress further.”

Moving forward the company plans to integrate its model with social landlords. As such, this will involve Just Housing finding new young talent on behalf of interested social landlords. The group will then provide one years’ worth of extensive training in specific skill areas, with the end goal of placing the apprentice into a permanent position with the social landlord.

John added: “This is a win-win situation for both social landlords and young people. We are offering an excellent opportunity for social landlords to employee young – highly trained - people into positions that are known in the industry to be difficult to fulfil. And as such the training provided will give young people a future career path.

“We understand the difficulties young people face to secure full time employment on leaving school. This is why we have recognised a skills gap in the industry and implemented a training structure to engage with young people who may otherwise be facing an uncertain employment future.”

Established in 2004, Just Housing provides services and support in the supply, management and maintenance of social housing. The organisation successfully leads in transforming and creating Direct Labour Organisations (DLO) and with offices in London the company employs 25 staff.

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