Qualifications
Although not essential for a career in housing, qualifications can help you progress. Find out more about Modern Apprenticeships and Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) qualifications.
Modern Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships can be a great way to launch your career in housing, if you’re over 16. They provide an opportunity to work while undertaking a structured programme of study, enabling you to gain the expertise, practical experience and broader skills needed to progress.
Several housing organisations offer apprenticeships, most often in Housing, Customer Services and Business Administration. IT Support/Digital Technology is another apprenticeship route. Modern Apprenticeship programmes take 12-24 months to complete.
You’ll find more information at Apprenticeships.Scot. Use the keyword ‘housing’ to search for the latest apprentice vacancies in housing organisations.
Some entry-level jobs in housing don’t require any qualifications, but for most you’ll be expected to have National 5 in English, plus one or two other subjects. If you apply for a Modern Apprenticeship, individual employers will specify what they’re looking for.
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You’ll gain a Modern Apprenticeship qualification at SCQF Level 6 while working in a housing organisation. The qualification is made up of:
• SVQ in Housing (SCQF Level 6)
• CIH Certificate in Housing Practice (SCQF Level 5)
• Core Skills at SCQF Level 4 (Numeracy, Communication, ICT, Working with others, Problem-solving)
The Modern Apprenticeship in Housing at SCQF Level 7 is aimed at employees who’ve already completed SCQF Level 6 in Housing or have equivalent qualifications or experience.
The Modern Apprenticeship in Housing is suitable for front-line roles, such as Housing Assistant. -
If you want to work in customer support services, a Modern Apprenticeship in Customer Services might be for you. This apprenticeship is available at SCQF Levels 5 and 6 and is helpful for Customer Service Advisor roles, where staff are the first point of contact for tenant/customer enquiries.
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If you’re good at organising, you might want to consider the Modern Apprenticeship in Business Administration. It’s available at SCQF Levels 5 and 6 and is suitable for employees in roles such as Administration Assistant, Clerical Assistant, Receptionist and Repairs Assistant.
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If you’re interested in building management, this Modern Apprenticeship can help you gain the skills and competence needed for roles in facilities management and services. The SCQF Level 5 qualification includes customer care, cleaning, security and building maintenance skills.
Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Qualifications
The CIH is the professional body for people who work in housing. It offers a range of qualifications – from Level 2 right up to postgraduate certificates.
The CIH is the largest regulated awarding organisation for housing in the UK. Qualifications are delivered through approved study centres, as well as the CIH Housing Academy. For more information, including details of where you can study in Scotland, see CIH Qualifications.
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For people new to housing or who want to pursue a career in housing.
These qualifications are designed as an introduction and are suitable for tenants/residents, assistants and administrators. On completion, you can become a member of CIH.
CIH Level 2 Certificate in Housing Practice (SCQF Level 5)
CIH Level 2 Award in Neighbourhood Maintenance (SCQF Level 5)
CIH Level 2 Award in Letting and Managing Residential Property -
For housing practitioners who are already working in the sector.
These qualifications are designed to provide you with contextual and specialised knowledge to support you in your role and career. They are suitable for officers and co-ordinators. On completion, you can become a certified practitioner member of CIH.
CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice
CIH Level 3 Certificate in Letting and Managing Residential Property
CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Maintenance and Asset Management -
For those already in or aspiring to a supervisory or management role in housing.
These qualifications are designed to explore in greater depth the contextual and specialised knowledge for the housing professional. They are suitable for supervisors and managers. On completion, you can become a certified practitioner member of CIH.
CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing
CIH Level 4 Certificate in Managing Housing Maintenance -
For those in a management role in housing.
This qualification will provide you with the necessary strategic skills and knowledge to face the current challenges in housing, covering key aspects of leadership, management and ethics. Successful completion of this qualification, including the professional practice skills unit, will lead to CIH Chartered membership.
CIH Level 5 Diploma in Housing
Postgraduate level housing courses in Scotland
Graduate qualifications are for those aspiring to a strategic management role in housing. They’re designed to provide academic and practical perspectives to meet your professional aspirations. CIH has validated postgraduate housing programmes that fully meet its Chartered membership requirements.
Please get in touch with the relevant university for more details of their programmes and information on applying.
Housing Traineeships
Some housing employers fund trainee posts, which means they’ll pay for you to study for housing qualifications while you’re developing your on-the-job knowledge and skills.
Many housing organisations will fund and support your learning, leading to a qualification. If you’re interested in being supported by an employer during your housing studies, at any qualification level, check in job advertisements and ask what’s possible during interviews.
Wheatley Group’s two-year Ignite graduate programme is the largest in Scotland.
The UK-wide GEM Programme offers a wide range of jobs and intensive learning experiences in the housing sector. It’s open to graduates looking to start a career in housing, as well as those already working in housing.