Why Choose This Course?

• Earn while you learn
• Gain a nationally recognised qualification
• Build real-world experience in a growing sector
• Make a positive difference in people’s lives

The Level 3 Apprenticeship in Housing Practice provides learners with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to begin a career in the housing sector. This programme combines practical, on-the-job experience with structured learning to prepare apprentices for roles supporting tenants, communities, and housing services.

The Housing Practice Apprenticeship NI Level 3 is open to those about to take up permanent paid employment with a Northern Ireland based housing sector (provider or association) and be contracted to work a minimum of 21 hours per week with one employer.

Course content

Students will complete two qualifications as part of the course:

• OCN Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice
• CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice

An example of some core skills and content covered:

• Housing policy and legislation
• Customer service and tenant engagement
• Safeguarding and supporting vulnerable individuals
• Managing housing services and tenancy issues
• Communication, professionalism, and teamwork

There may also be the opportunity to attend workshops and training relevant to the housing sector.

Work Placement

Minimum requirement of work placement is 21 hours.

Successful completion of the apprenticeship will lead to the award of a level 3 qualification and recognition as a qualified housing officer within the sector and could lead to progression to Level 4 and Level 5 Foundation Degree or Diploma in Housing Practice and Housing Management.

To enter the Level 3 apprenticeship, you must have 5 GCSEs A-C or equivalent, which includes Maths and English (or Essential skills equivalent).

If you do not have Level 2 Essential Skills in Numeracy, Literacy or ICT (or equivalent) this will be a mandatory element of the course.

Entry to the Level 3 apprenticeship can be by progression from a relevant Level 2 apprenticeship.

You may also enter the Level 3 apprenticeship, subject to assessment by the training contractor and employer, if you have:

• already gained significant work experience, which could be considered as meeting the requirements of a Level 2 framework and can show the capacity to achieve a Level 3 standard
• previously achieved a relevant Level 2 recognised vocational qualification that is a mandatory requirement of a Level 2 health and social care framework

Employers may, in addition, apply their own criteria at the recruitment stage, such as age of 18+ years old, Driving Licence, access to car.

In addition to these requirements, attendance at an interview is required.

If you are already employed by the organisation you wish to undertake your apprenticeship with, you may be eligible to start an apprenticeship as an existing employee, provided that:

• You are in permanent remunerative employment with a Northern Ireland-based company from day one of the apprenticeship. 
• You are contracted to work a minimum of 21 hours per week (including day release/off-the-job training) with one employer. 
• You have been employed by the same employer for less than six months immediately before the start of your apprenticeship. 
• You meet all other eligibility criteria outlined above.

All relevant paperwork should be uploaded to the admissions portal prior to being considered for an apprenticeship, this should include your:

• Employer response form
• Vision verification form (Electrical Installation only)
• One form of official photographic ID
• Official proof of your National Insurance number eg Letter from HMRC

To access the forms and for further details visit our Apprenticeship page