The Housing Sector is an incredibly important sector for the UK, the Liverpool City Region and Sysco. Sysco have been delivering Housing qualifications, Customer Service qualifications and Management qualifications to Stockport Homes Group since 2017, helping them to implement their people development strategy and ensuring their workforce have the skills they need to work in such a demanding and important sector.
Natalie James completed the Housing / Property Management Apprenticeship Standard alongside her role as a Housing Officer. We spoke to her to find out how she has found the apprenticeship and Sysco’s service.
The apprenticeship really gave me an insight into the history of social housing. I gained a better understanding of different factors that can influence a person’s housing situation and I feel that I now am very competent in my role.
– Natalie James – Stockport Homes
Q: Hi Natalie, why did you decide to complete an apprenticeship?
A: I had previously completed a degree in Tourism Management and I wanted to be able to understand my role better. I wanted to gain a better understanding of the Housing sector in order to try and progress in my career.
Q: How have you found the support from Sysco’s trainers?
A: The support has been pretty good overall. My tutor is always very approachable, and I get a lot from my one-to-ones. I also enjoy the taught sessions.
Q: How has the Apprenticeship helped you to progress in your current role?
A: Before starting my role as a Neighbourhood Housing Officer, I had previously never worked in the housing sector. The apprenticeship really gave me an insight into the history of social housing. I gained a better understanding of different factors that can influence a person’s housing situation and I feel that I now am very competent in my role.
Q: Describe your tutor in 3 words?
A: Helpful. Approachable. Understanding.
Q: What are the best aspects of learning?
A: Taught lessons, I feel I gain a lot, particularly from group discussion work.
Q: Would you recommend Sysco?
A: Yes – I think Sysco are a good company, although I feel the learning assistant can be quite complicated to navigate around.