Get into Housing programme returns for a second year

We are thrilled to announce the return of the Get into Housing programme for a second year.

Together with CCHA, Cadwyn, Hafod, Linc Cymru, Wales & West Housing and Taff Housing, and with support from Welsh Government and Principality, we will be providing paid work placements across a variety of departments.

As community housing associations, our customer base is large and varied. In order to provide our customers with the best service we can, so it’s important that their diversity is reflected amongst our staff.

Each placement is for 21 hours per week and will be for 16 weeks. Not only will this offer candidates on-the-job experience, but they will also be paid the Real Living Wage and receive bespoke mentoring to support them during their placement and the next steps in their career.

This project will give candidates an opportunity to boost their CV, understand and develop the skills they already have, and a chance to explore a career in housing.

Marion Garvey, 46, took part in the first Get into Housing programme, and secured a permanent position with us as a Day Project Worker at the end of her placement. She said:

“I was so excited when I got accepted onto the programme, and the experience I had whilst working for the homelessness team was priceless. I was also assigned a mentor, who was always available to offer advice and support. Whilst on my placement, a job became available within the team, so I decided to apply for it and was delighted when I was offered the role. I’m now a full-time project worker at a homeless hostel.

“Following the Get into Housing programme, I am so much more confident, I believe I can do something bigger and stand up for vulnerable people.”

Afshan Iqbal, Project Manager for the Get into Housing programme said:

“I’m so pleased to be able to bring this initiative back again after a successful first round.

“Through this programme, we are reaffirming our commitment as a housing sector to foster greater diversity and inclusion, with a shared goal to ensure that our teams accurately represent the vibrant communities we proudly serve.”

The successful candidates will receive invaluable experience, training, and access to employment opportunities with the long-term goal of gaining meaningful careers within, and outside, the housing sector. There will be opportunities across all housing associations, with placements available in finance, customer services and housing, community regeneration, development, and more.

Eligible candidates must:

• Be unemployed
• Be aged 18 years or over
• Currently live in South Wales
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Identify as having an ethnically diverse background

For more information and to apply for the Get into Housing programme, please visit https://ccha.org.uk/get-into-housing/.