Number 10 reception for housing partners of apprenticeship scheme

Led by the Aspire Group, there are eight other social landlords involved (full list below) along with the National Housing Federation.

Today’s welcome followed an announcement on Tuesday by David Cameron that housing is to become one of the 29 phase 2 Trailblazers - groups of large and small employers within a sector which work together to develop new apprenticeship standards.

The group will be chaired by Tim Edwards, group head of regeneration at Aspire, and it will lead to the development of a standard for housing management.

‘The Trailblazers are employer-led with the training designed by employers to match the needs of the sector,’ he said.

‘It’s fair to say that housing hasn’t always had the profile as a first career choice, but this announcement will go a long way to changing that and help create more apprentice opportunities at the same time.’

Mr Edwards said the first task is to agree a ‘competency framework which will lead to a standard for apprenticeships and a housing pathway young people can follow’.

The other housing associations taking part are: Amicus Horizon, Affinity Sutton, Coast and Country Housing, Futures Housing Group, The Guinness Partnership, New Charter Housing Trust Group, The Community Housing Group and Yarlington Housing Group.

New apprentices can expect to take part in reformed apprenticeships as early as 2014 to 2015.

Inside Housing launched its Homes Work campaign, promoting training and apprenticeships in the housing sector, last Friday and it has been backed by housing minister Kris Hopkins.