JobsAndCareersWithJamesCaanAutumn2016 - 212

H

ome is where the
heart is. And where
your family is and
where memories
are made. The
place that keeps
you sheltered from
the weather is so much more than just
bricks and mortar.
And that's what makes a career in the
housing industry so rewarding - the
main priority is making sure people
have somewhere safe to call home.
Jobs within the field are varied and
it's a career that allows you to really
make a difference to people's lives on
a practical and tangible level.
There are solid opportunities for
progression within the industry and if
you choose to work in housing, you will
have the satisfaction of knowing your
contribution really matters, because
everyone needs somewhere decent
and affordable to live. The work's not
easy, but the sense of job satisfaction
is high, which may explain why it's a
particularly popular choice for women.
According to the Chartered Institute
of Housing (CIH), some 150,000 people
work in the affordable housing industry
in the UK. Most of these work for local
authorities and housing associations.

Housing jobs can also be found with
co-operatives, housing trusts, voluntary
organisations, the private sector and
commercial bodies and in other public
service departments such as health
authorities and social services.

The social side
One of the key things to keep in mind
when it comes to the housing industry
is it's often as much about the people
who require the houses, as the
structures themselves. The tough
economic climate has caused an
increased demand for social housing -
properties to be let to low-income
households or those in need of a home
by either not-for-profit housing
associations or local authorities.
There are currently 1.8 million people
on social housing waiting lists and this
figure is rising. There are simply not
enough 'affordable' homes, so people
are being priced out of getting on to the
property ladder, and turning to rental

instead. Private rentals have increased
by 40% in the past five years, according
to government figures.
These increasing rents mean there are
many who cannot afford to rent
privately, so they turn to housing
associations or councils for help.
Often tenants living in social housing
need more help than just a house - they
may be unemployed, have physical
or mental health issues, be on a low
income and struggling to support
themselves, or previously homeless.
Accommodation for these individuals
is made affordable through state subsidy
(funded by the government), to ensure
it is available to those most in need.
Managing and maintaining the five
million homes (and those who live in
them) owned by local councils and
housing associations is carried out
by a variety of employees: from those
who work hands-on with tenants,
to those behind the scenes working
for the efficient running of the industry,

The housing industry is as much
about the people who require the
houses as the structures themselves

SKILLS
REQUIRED

TO WORK IN HOUSING, YOU NEED:
* an interest in people and their
living conditions.
* good communication and
negotiation skills.
* a flexible approach to working.
* business management skills.
* organisational skills.
* to be able to work under pressure
and to meet deadlines.
* a knowledge, where necessary, of
any relevant legislation (including
tenants' rights), building construction
and government policy.

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