Pictured L-R: Jess, Communications Executive, Erin Assistant Care Manager, Zoheb Regional Coordinator 

As the dust settles after A-level results day, many young people might be considering their next move.  

Glassdoor placed Housing 21 in the top three best places to work in the UK and with A-level results out this week, the not-for-profit housing association is encouraging people to consider a career in housing and care.  

Recent figures show rising youth unemployment – now at 13.4% according to the Office for National Statistics – so leading provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care, Housing 21, is highlighting how housing might just be the perfect match for someone in the early stages of their career. 

Housing 21 offers a wide range of career opportunities in both corporate and operational roles. Apprenticeships and T-Level courses are on offer alongside flexible working for people to manage their hours while continuing with their studies. 

For instance, Erin McGreevey is an Assistant Care Manager at Housing 21’s Rowan Croft Extra Care development in Goodwood, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Erin joined Housing 21 as a Care Worker while studying for a Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University. She agreed a work schedule with her manager to allow her to balance her work and studies. After graduating, Erin had enjoyed her time with Housing 21 so much that she applied for her current role. 

Erin said: “The thing I enjoy most is interacting with the residents. I absolutely love older people. I think they have so much knowledge and wisdom they can share with you, they've lived in a completely different time and in a completely different way to what I have, and I find that so interesting. 

“You can really build relationships with people when you work in care and it's really rewarding. When I was a Care Worker, I used to say it was just like I was going to work to hang out with my friends. 

“I know that if I did ever want to progress further in my career with Housing 21, there are always opportunities.” 

Former primary school teacher, Jess Cooke joined Housing 21 in 2022. As a result of the pandemic and difficulties finding a suitable teaching role, she no longer enjoyed the work and decided to explore her options.  

After doing some research, Jess started an online digital marketing course to learn more about the profession and shortly after, she found a Marketing and Communications Apprentice role with Housing 21.  

“Initially, I felt that I was too old, and that my career change may concern future employers. However, Housing 21 made me realise that you can change your career at any age with any background.   

“The apprenticeship comprised a mixture of on-the-job learning, seminars, self-learning and written assignments. Each week, I was given 20 per cent off-the-job learning time which equated to a day, and with the support of my manager, I was able to block out this time to focus on my studies.”  

Eleven months into her apprenticeship, a vacancy opened in the Marketing and Communications Team for a permanent role as a Communications Executive. Jess successfully applied and was able to finish her apprenticeship alongside this new role.   

“The apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge, and I was thrilled when this led to a permanent role within the team. Being able to learn on the job from colleagues while undertaking the apprenticeship has been invaluable and I’m excited to continue my career journey in marketing and communications.”  

Jess has now completed her Level 4 Marketing Executive Apprenticeship with a distinction in all areas.  

Since 2020, 60 per cent of all apprentices have secured a permanent role with Housing 21. The 23,300-home housing association provides affordable Retirement Living and Extra Care housing for older people in more than 240 local authorities across England. As a result, it has opportunities in everything from frontline care and finance, to repairs and house building. 

Zoheb Akhtar started working at Housing 21 in February 2019 as a Regional Coordinator in Retirement Living based in West Yorkshire. With previous housing background, Zoheb worked in customer services for tenant related queries and complaints before joining Housing 21.   

He was part of the first cohort of students in the Housing Academy, an 18-month programme aimed at operational employees looking to progress their careers as Operations Managers or Regional Extra Care Managers.  

The Housing Academy provides students with specific housing knowledge, leadership skills, and training and expertise from a range of mentors from across Housing 21. Students are over halfway through the course and working towards a Level 4 Senior Housing and Property Management Apprenticeship with the Chartered Institute of Housing. 

Initially, Zoheb wasn’t sure of what to expect from the experience: “I would say the academy has exceeded my expectations. At first, I had the assumption it would just be non-stop intense learning, but this isn’t the case. 

“My highlight from the academy so far was when I had to deliver my first residents’ meeting. I didn’t have direct resident engagement in my previous role. I was very nervous and questioned whether I would be able to go ahead with this.” 

“Now I always look forward to the practical sessions, as working with the residents is what I find most interesting. The balance between learning the knowledge and practical learning helps me to stay motivated and to see that the academy is designed to help me to reach my end goal.” 

Ian Hodson, Director of People and Culture at Housing 21, said: "With youth unemployment increasing, it's vital that young people and job seekers are provided with clear pathways to stable and fulfilling careers. At Housing 21, we're committed to offering opportunities that not only secure employment but also ensure long-term career growth and personal development, as well as the fulfilment of knowing that you are contributing to having a positive impact on society and the local community. 

“We understand that starting a new career can be both exciting and daunting, especially for young people entering the workforce for the first time. That’s why we place great emphasis on providing an inclusive and supportive environment where employees can learn and develop. From comprehensive onboarding programmes to ongoing training and mentoring, we equip our people with the tools they need to succeed.” 

Visit the website to find out more about career opportunities with Housing 21: Housing 21 - Careers and jobs in Care and Housing