I’ve never had so much support – Rose's story
Rose Smith started her Chartered Institute of Housing Level 3 with The Learning Foundry last October after working as a housing officer without any specific qualifications in the sector. We caught up with Rose to see how she’s applying her new knowledge to her role:
Every workshop applies to my job. As a housing officer, every workshop topic, every piece of independent research is relevant to the things I do every day. Whether it’s how I work with tenants, the systems I use, or how I log complaints. Everything I’ve learnt is something I can apply to things I do in my job.
I had been asking for some training so when my employer put me forward to do the course with The Learning Foundry I was very happy. I had no qualification in housing when I started working as a housing officer. That meant I had to learn on the job from the beginning.
The workshops are fantastic. I am engaged and interested in what I’m learning. The lessons are never dry, there’s no reading straight from slides.
I’m encouraged to do my own learning. We are set independent research tasks that have taught me even more about the sector I work in. I’ve found out so much about housing developments on my doorstep that I would otherwise have known nothing about.
My tutors are knowledgeable and supportive. They know about the housing sector today but they also know so much about its history and how that informs decisions we make today. My tutor recognised quickly how I like to learn and how I like to work. She does whatever she can to make sure I’m not stressed or taking on too much.
I’ve never had this much support. I know I can always reach out to her, that there are no silly questions. I’ve learnt from other learners, too. It’s been really interesting to get insights from people in other roles and organisations from across the housing sector.
I use knowledge from the course in my job every day. The role is so varied that before starting the course I’d often have to research procedures before making an action whereas now I feel like I have learnt a lot about best practice.
I’ve improved so many of my personal skills, too. Previously I’ve completely avoided anything to do with customer service and community engagement but now I’ve had workshops on these topics and done my own research I’m not scared anymore and can see how improving my skills in these areas can benefit my customers.
I’d like to say a massive thank you to The Learning Foundry and my tutor for understanding and committing to help me.
Well done Rose! If you're interested in housing qualifications for yourself or your team, please visit: https://www.thelearningfoundry.co.uk/housing-management