In support of Learning at Work Week and the Chartered Institute of Housing’s CHOOSE HOUSING campaign, we are celebrating our commitment to creating a range of opportunities for young people.
Recognising the value of creating ongoing and innovative pathways into housing, GCH took on three young people in 2023 under the GEM Programme, a UK wide housing sector talent development programme. The scheme blends intensive learning experiences in cities across the UK with personal and professional mentoring alongside a professional housing qualification.
“After a year of conferences, assignments and projects, I have finished the GEM Programme and have achieved a CIH Level 4 qualification. It was a really great opportunity, which took me all around the UK – Leeds, Glasgow, Belfast, Exeter, and Westminster – and it covered various important topics including community and environmental sustainability, homelessness, equality & inclusion and housing policy. I’ve engaged in discussions with professionals across the sector, delved deeply into a range of sector challenges, provided my perspective in a range of formats, and look forward to bringing new vigour to my future pursuits in the sector.”
In April we also welcomed Kennis, Social Work student from the University of Gloucestershire for a 70-day work placement at our newest scheme, Hewmar House. GCH’s brand-new Gloucester based supported housing scheme which offers a lifeline to young people at risk of homelessness, designed to provide safe and secure accommodation alongside vital support services. As a work placement, Hewmar House will offer Kennis valuable experience supporting some of the most vulnerable young people in the city.
“Inclusion is a key part of GCH’s identity and commitment to Gloucestershire. We’ve a strong track record of providing different opportunities to local people, with many of our current colleagues having developed through their experience with us. We aim to be a diverse, progressive and innovative employer and enjoy exploring new schemes, working with a range of external training providers to provide opportunities to enable local people to develop their skills and gain experience through the interesting world of housing, where no two days are the same.”
We’re currently on the lookout for a Governance & Assurance Apprentice and are looking for someone who will bring fresh ideas and thrive from a learning on the job environment.
GCH is Gloucester’s largest social housing provider, with a wide range of flexible roles covering housing to administrative roles, trades roles to management and board roles. We actively encourage applications from all sections of our community, particularly those with lived experience of our work.
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