Member Article

First Ark staff sign up to housing apprenticeship

First Ark has become the latest organisation to sign up to Alder Training’s accredited Charted Institute of Housing (CIH) qualification.

The Knowsley based social business group, which includes Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT), has enrolled eight staff onto the CIH Level Three Housing Apprenticeship.

Alder Training worked closely with the Charted Institute of Housing to develop the apprenticeships which aims to meet the needs of the housing sector. The qualification will be taught by experienced sector specialists who will be able to pass on industry knowledge and practical skills.

Learners will have the chance to get a real insight in the housing sector from guest speakers during the course.

First Ark is the latest housing business to partner with Alder Training, which is owned by The Regenda Group, following the Sovini Group earlier this year.

Kirsty Rothwell, Housing Assessor at Alder Training, said: “We are delighted to partner with First Ark in order to deliver our CIH Level Three apprenticeship.

“The course combines over 20 years’ experience in apprenticeships and training with over 50 years’ experience in housing. We have also worked closely with the Charted Institute of Housing to gain accredited status which demonstrates that the course meets the needs of those working within the housing profession.

“I am really excited to welcome our first cohort of learners from First Ark and enhancing their existing skills in the housing sector.”

Sharon Marsh, HR Group Director at First Ark, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Alder Training to deliver CIH qualifications - Learning and Development is something that we consider a priority as a business.  Developing the skills of our people and investing in our people will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our wider business activity.”

In September, Alder organised a study trip to Lile, in partnership with CIH. The trip gave three learners the chance to see the impact that the Housing First Strategy has had in France.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gary Jones .