Learner case study: Georgina Weedon
Access Training is a CIH approved study centre and our housing courses are a great way to upskill your people in preparation for the Social Housing (Regulation) Act coming into force in 2024.
Georgina Weedon, Property Services Work Planner at NCHA in Nottingham, describes her learning journey with us.
“I am a Property Services Work Planner at NCHA. It is a customer-facing role organising repairs and planned refurbs directly with our residents.
“I have been at NCHA for six years and two years ago I decided that it was the right to consider my professional development. I wanted to broaden my knowledge and gain further experience to help progress my career in housing.
“So I decided to approach my manager who was fully supportive of me gaining a professional qualification. Within a couple of days she came back to me with the CIH Level 3 Housing and Property Management apprenticeship which was delivered by Access Training.
“I took a look through the course content and it was exactly what I was looking for, and there was the added bonus that it was fully funded by NCHA and the government. It was a 24 month course, and it required me to have 20% of my contracted hours allocated to ‘off the job training’. This could be used for assignment work, training courses, online lessons and anything else that contributed towards my knowledge and experience related to any of the course modules.
“The lessons were provided online via Teams every few months and I had a monthly catch up with my course assessor to keep me on track. There were a variety of people on the course from different housing associations and local authorities, but I was the only person from NCHA. It was good to hear other people’s experiences.
“The course was hard work at times, but very enjoyable and valuable! I have improved my knowledge and understanding of housing services, legislation, regulations and the different roles in the sector. I have also been able to confidently help and support residents and colleagues with queries outside of my department, and/or signpost them to the right information, person or service.
“I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to progress their housing career as it covers a broad range of areas, including managing empty properties, maintenance services, asset management, the history of the housing system, lettings and allocations, anti-social behaviour, and homelessness services.
“My advice would be to speak to and/or shadow colleagues in the relevant housing teams in relation to the module you are working on to gain valuable knowledge and experience in person. And also to prioritise your ‘in work’ study time with your manager and team to ensure you get the dedicated time and support you require, otherwise it can be easy to slip behind.”
Here's what Georgina’s manager had to say
“I feel it is essential as a manager to support any member of the team to develop both personally and professionally. Therefore when Georgina approached me about gaining a professional qualification I was more than happy to explore the options available and to support her through her journey.
“Georgina’s course tutor maintained regular contact with me throughout and engaged in catch-up meetings to advise me of her progress and any issues that required my support.
“I am extremely happy that Georgina has completed the course and gained a valuable qualification which will benefit both NCHA and Georgina.”
Lynda Campbell, Team Manager – Business Services at NCHA
Georgina Weedon, Property Services Work Planner at NCHA in Nottingham, describes her learning journey with us.
“I am a Property Services Work Planner at NCHA. It is a customer-facing role organising repairs and planned refurbs directly with our residents.
“I have been at NCHA for six years and two years ago I decided that it was the right to consider my professional development. I wanted to broaden my knowledge and gain further experience to help progress my career in housing.
“So I decided to approach my manager who was fully supportive of me gaining a professional qualification. Within a couple of days she came back to me with the CIH Level 3 Housing and Property Management apprenticeship which was delivered by Access Training.
“I took a look through the course content and it was exactly what I was looking for, and there was the added bonus that it was fully funded by NCHA and the government. It was a 24 month course, and it required me to have 20% of my contracted hours allocated to ‘off the job training’. This could be used for assignment work, training courses, online lessons and anything else that contributed towards my knowledge and experience related to any of the course modules.
“The lessons were provided online via Teams every few months and I had a monthly catch up with my course assessor to keep me on track. There were a variety of people on the course from different housing associations and local authorities, but I was the only person from NCHA. It was good to hear other people’s experiences.
“The course was hard work at times, but very enjoyable and valuable! I have improved my knowledge and understanding of housing services, legislation, regulations and the different roles in the sector. I have also been able to confidently help and support residents and colleagues with queries outside of my department, and/or signpost them to the right information, person or service.
“I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to progress their housing career as it covers a broad range of areas, including managing empty properties, maintenance services, asset management, the history of the housing system, lettings and allocations, anti-social behaviour, and homelessness services.
“My advice would be to speak to and/or shadow colleagues in the relevant housing teams in relation to the module you are working on to gain valuable knowledge and experience in person. And also to prioritise your ‘in work’ study time with your manager and team to ensure you get the dedicated time and support you require, otherwise it can be easy to slip behind.”
Here's what Georgina’s manager had to say
“I feel it is essential as a manager to support any member of the team to develop both personally and professionally. Therefore when Georgina approached me about gaining a professional qualification I was more than happy to explore the options available and to support her through her journey.
“Georgina’s course tutor maintained regular contact with me throughout and engaged in catch-up meetings to advise me of her progress and any issues that required my support.
“I am extremely happy that Georgina has completed the course and gained a valuable qualification which will benefit both NCHA and Georgina.”
Lynda Campbell, Team Manager – Business Services at NCHA
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