Housing apprenticeship standard published

The standard, one of 59 new standards across a range of industries published today, sets out the skills employees are expected to have in order to meet the needs of employers in the housing sector. It follows two other housing apprenticeship standards, for housing management and senior housing management, published in March.

The standards were developed by 16 housing associations alongside the National Housing Federation (NHF), Chartered Institute of Housing, the National Federation of Property Professionals and managing agents Rendall & Rittner.

Henry Gregg, assistant director of campaigns at the NHF, said: “We have worked closely with housing associations and bodies as a trailblazer group to influence these apprenticeship standards so they are designed for the housing sector, by the housing sector.

“Not only will these improve the quality of apprenticeships by increasing skills and adaptability, but we also hope it will create more opportunities and encourage more young people to consider a career in housing.”

The latest standards were announced alongside other government initiatives designed to boost apprenticeships, including a levy on businesses to fund apprenticeships. The government also announced a new rule, effective from next month, that all bids for government work of more than £10m demonstrate a commitment to apprentices.

Inside Housing’s Homes Work campaign last year aimed to encourage apprenticeships in the housing sector.