The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a number of adaptable, enthusiastic individuals to be part of Wandsworth Council’s Housing Trainee Scheme.  Designed to give you a broad and diverse range of experience working in a Housing and Regeneration Department, the two-year programme will provide the necessary skills, training and qualifications to begin a successful career in housing.

From day one you’ll enjoy an incredibly varied learning experience by working with teams on a number of different placements, such as regeneration, managing a portfolio of properties or dealing with homeless applications.  Depending on whether you enrol on the Housing Management and Services Traineeship or the Technical Housing Traineeship, the length of your placements will differ, lasting from anywhere between two to six months in each team.  As part of the placement you’ll be given the responsibility to take ownership of real projects which make a difference. Your progress will be measured against agreed objectives and upon successful completion of the scheme, you will receive an offer of employment in the Department.

The Role:

You will take part in a number of placements across the Housing and Regeneration Department where you will gain an in-depth understanding of housing policy and practice.  “Hands on” experience is vital for the success of the programme and this starts with knowing how our different teams operate, experiencing their challenges first-hand through a series of projects and tasks under each placement.

Alongside a day to day line manager in each placement, you will have a strong support framework to guide you.  For the duration of the programme you will have an allocated mentor, who will support your development throughout the two years.  Mentoring is a well proven learning method, enabling trainees to benefit from the skills, experience and knowledge of senior staff. 

Training and Development:

As a Housing Management and Services Trainee, you will have the opportunity to undertake a qualification in housing practice, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Housing and designed to equip you with the key skills and expert knowledge to develop a career in housing.

As a Technical Housing Trainee, you will have the opportunity to undertake a qualification in building surveying, where you will gain knowledge of building materials, construction technology and the preparation of schemes for the repair and improvement of buildings, preparing you for a technical career in housing.

All course fees will be paid.

What are we looking for?

• Talented and self-motivated individuals with a genuine interest in housing, including development, regeneration, issues around homelessness, managing social housing properties and housing policy.

• Substantial experience in a relevant role such as working for a local authority or housing association e.g. minimum 5 years experience and/or educated to degree level, minimum 2:2 attainment

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Ability to negotiate and develop and sustain working relationships

• Ambitious team players who can use their initiative to ensure personal and professional success

• GCSE Grade A-C Maths and English or equivalent

• The right to work in the UK on a permanent basis.

Rewards and Benefits

• A guaranteed offer of employment upon successful completion of the scheme and relevant qualification

• The opportunity to gain a nationally recognised housing-related qualification

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working including, working from home, compressed or part-time hours and other arrangements. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore. We also offer a generous holiday allowance of 39 paid days (pro rata) including bank holidays and a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts with many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline:

Closing Date:  Sunday 18^th July 2021

Shortlisting Date: W/C Monday 19^th July 2021

Interview Date: TBC

Useful Information:

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please note that the advertised dates for interviews may change due to the current Covid-19 situation. If they do, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Your health and wellbeing is our top priority. Should you become unwell due to Covid-19 during the recruitment process we would very much appreciate receiving an update from you as soon as possible.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

The application process for this campaign will be anonymous.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils