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Bristol housing associations launch housebuilding academy
A group of housing associations in Bristol have launched a pilot academy scheme aimed at attracting young people to work in housing development.
The Bristol Housing Partnership (BHP), which represents the 14 housing associations that work with Bristol City Council, intends to run the training project over the next two years.
Called the BHP Academy, it will offer 10 people the opportunity to train and work as affordable housing development officers, receiving specialist training in the first year and working in development teams in the second.
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Each trainee will receive a £23,000-a-year salary. Five will be recruited externally and five will be offered to existing employees of Bristol City Council or the participating associations.
BHP and the council have invested £100,000 in training through the scheme, which is aimed at university and sixth form college graduates.
Sarah Maylor, deputy managing director of Curo Group’s housebuilding business and chair of BHP, said: “A career in housing development can be incredibly fulfilling but, despite the many advantages it offers, our sector is still affected by skills shortages.
“There’s a particular lack of applicants with the right skills in development roles and housing associations are struggling to recruit experienced candidates.
“Our members are committed to building 2,500 new homes in Bristol alone over the next five years and, to do so, we need more skilled people. This is why we’ve decided to invest in ‘growing our own’ talent.”
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain valuable new skills and join a sector that offers clear career progression.
“At the same time they will be making a positive difference to local people’s lives, by helping to build more affordable homes in our city and region.”
