I was scared about learning again... but my tutor was fantastic in supporting me - Marie's story | News

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I was scared about learning again... but my tutor was fantastic in supporting me - Marie's story

Marie is no stranger to a challenge. After ten years working in the charity sector and completing four NVQs, Marie started her Level 3 Chartered Institute of Housing Qualification with us whilst working at homelessness charity, Petrus. The qualification made a career change possible – and she’s now putting her studies to practice as a Housing Officer at Regenda Homes.  We love seeing colleagues progress within The Regenda Group! 

We caught up with Marie to see how she is managing to balance her new role with her studies. 

What programme did you do with The Learning Foundry? 

I started my Level 3 CIH qualification in May last year. I’ll go through the ‘gateway’ in August meaning after that I’ll only have my final assessment left.  

What were you doing before? 

At the time I started the course I was working in a management position at Petrus, a homelessness charity based in Rochdale which is also part of The Regenda Group. About six months into the course, I applied for a position as a Housing Officer with Regenda Homes. 

The change came a lot quicker than I ever expected it would! When I applied, I thought it would give me an indicator of where I am in my journey – I really wasn’t expecting to get the job.  

Becoming a housing officer was my long-term goal - so I was so chuffed to get it.  

How have your studies helped your career? 

Studying for a CIH qualification with The Learning Foundry definitely helped me to land my current role as a Housing Officer. Obviously learning about the sector and developing an in-depth understanding is important. But also taking on new learning opportunities shows a willingness to learn and better yourself, so I’d like to think that helped, too! 

It can be hard to balance my job and my studies – especially learning a new role, a new team and a new office. However, I have learnt so much that I’m able to evidence in my studies and use in my assessments. I’ve found it useful doing the practical work as part of my job, and the theory side alongside one another.  

What does a typical day as a housing officer look like? 

All sorts – it is so varied! 

A lot of my role involves working directly with residents, whether it’s on the phone or going to visit them in person. I work with lots of different people from all walks of life! 

I also do a lot of work with local services. For example, we liaise with fire teams to complete risk assessments, safeguarding teams, carers and social workers to ensure our tenants are safe. 

I deal with tricky issues like bereavement and all that comes with it – importantly I support our residents but then I’m also completing paperwork. 

I represent the Regenda and I am a professional, but I know it is also very important to offer tenants a personal, human approach. Working in homelessness for over 10 years has helped me to communicate with people. I’ll also say that not much shocks me anymore!  

How do you use what you’ve learnt during your apprenticeship in your day-to-day role? 

My CIH qualification has helped me lots of times in my current role. I have a much broader understanding of the housing sector. 

The structure of the course brings you back to why you do what you do. It makes me question decisions I’d make and ask myself: “is there a better way of doing this?” 

It’s helped me to understand what goes on behind the scenes in other services. Before my CIH qualification, I’d never dealt with complaints and had no idea the whole procedure it entailed. I still wouldn’t understand it today with the structured learning through The Learning Foundry.  

What’s the best bit about learning with TLF? 

The team are so lovely, they’re a delight to work with. I know that my tutors are there to support me, whatever the issue I’m dealing with. If I’m struggling with time management, they understand and never make me feel bad about it. They are so calm and approachable; I know I can go to them if I ever have any issues and they’ll give me the help I need. 

Did you have any concerns about studying again? 

I was really scared about learning again and changing jobs in the middle of it all felt very overwhelming! But my tutor was fantastic in supporting me.  

I’d done vocational courses before, a long time ago. I’ve done 4 NVQ qualifications over the years. Studying for my CIH this time around has been a lot more intense, balancing my studies with my new role – but this is better thanks to the support I’ve been given.  

Give it a few years and I’ll be up for doing more training. I know that I need a challenge and every so often I go looking for something new. Studying in a new job has been a huge challenge for me so I might not get the itch for a few years yet, but you never know!  

 

At The Learning Foundry we provide housing qualifications for professionals at every stage of their career. As part of The Regenda Group, our qualifications are developed by the sector, for the sector, and our learners benefit from our experienced staff. Find out more at https://www.thelearningfoundry.co.uk/housing-management 

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