How to become Housing officer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- an organisation’s trainee scheme
University
You could complete a foundation degree or degree in:
- housing studies
- social policy
- building surveying
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You can do a college course, which would give you some of the skills needed to get a trainee position. Courses include:
- housing practice
- business administration
- T Level in Management and Administration
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a housing organisation or local authority housing department.
These include:
- Housing Property Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Housing and Property Management Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Senior Housing and Property Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
You could also apply for a place on a Policy Officer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, if you want to work in a policy development role.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You may be able to start as a housing or admin assistant and work your way up. You could do this through on-the-job training leading to a qualification like the Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Housing Practice, offered by the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Volunteering
You may find it useful to get some work experience with a housing charity, local tenants' association or community organisation. This could help when you apply for housing officer jobs.
You can search for voluntary opportunities in your area through Do it and The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
Other Routes
You may be able to apply to a local authority or housing association for a place on a graduate training scheme, like the GEM programme. This is open to graduates of any subject and non graduates who are already working in housing.
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Career tips
You could work for a local authority, a housing association or a charity like Shelter. You could also work for a university student accommodation service or property company.
Further information
You can get more advice about careers and training in housing from the Chartered Institute of Housing.