Join the Fight Against Bad Housing. Join the Housing Enforcement Trainee Programme.
Too many people in Greater Manchester are living in bad quality rented homes, which can take a huge toll on their health and happiness. To combat this, the Housing Enforcement Trainee Programme is looking to recruit and train ten talented people across Greater Manchester, at an entry level, to kickstart their careers in enforcement against poor housing and bad landlords. As a trainee housing standards enforcement officer, you will spearhead the next generation of hands-on enforcement professionals, so we can tackle unfit housing and help local people get a better standard of life. Want to be part of real change and make a difference? Read on to find out more about how you could get involved.
What to expect
Over the course of your three-year trainee placement, you’ll work towards two nationally recognised professional enforcement qualifications, including an apprenticeship. And you’ll get a good salary that rises as you progress, so that you earn as you learn.
During your placement, you’ll build up the skills to use the full range of unique powers housing standards officers have to enforce against bad landlord practice and poor-quality housing. Whether tenants are struggling with homes that are damp, insecure, cold or structurally unsound, housing standards officers are the people with the powers to help them.
Working alongside dedicated and experienced enforcement officers, you will develop the skills to:
- Carry out property checks and assess homes for hazards that pose a risk to health and lives
- advise landlords on their legal duties and work with them to make improvements
- gather evidence, build a case, and take legal action against the worst offending property owners
What you’ll get
- A competitive salary – starting at £24,085-£29,540 depending on location and rising as you progress
- A level 4 Regulatory Compliance Officer Apprenticeship
- A level 5 Diploma in the Private Rented Sector
- A minimum of 25 days annual leave a year
- A hands-on and varied role, visiting different homes and people across local communities
- Local Government Pension Scheme
How to apply
We are recruiting to numerous trainee posts across Greater Manchester. Go to the greater.jobs Housing Enforcement Trainee Programme page to find out more.
From there you can go through to the individual councils’ applications, and learn about them as employers.
I was motivated to apply for the Housing Enforcement Trainee programme as in my previous job I felt stuck and like I couldn’t progress. I knew that the apprenticeship would open up so many doors for me, and that I would be able to progress and turn it into a career. I knew I wanted to get into enforcement so that I could make a difference in people’s lives. The support from my team and the training that I have received throughout the apprenticeship has been fantastic. I have now secured a permanent position at Stockport Council as a Housing Standards Case Manager, and I would definitely recommend this training programme to anyone who is thinking about applying.
I initially began my career within the council in an administrative capacity, where I started interacting with the Housing Standards Team. I was drawn to this field after realising the significance of their work in tackling rogue landlords and ensuring that properties are safe and free from hazards.
I was particularly interested in the diverse nature of the role and the various functions it encompasses. This includes investigating and enforcing regulations in the private rented sector, licensing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), and collaborating with property owners to bring empty homes back into use. Additionally, the role involves large-scale and proactive investigations into ongoing non-compliance by specific landlords. These responsibilities mean that no two days in this position are the same.
During my apprenticeship, I completed a Level 4 qualification. This qualification enhanced my understanding and skills in enforcing the law within a regulatory body. I found the course delivery engaging, and the tutors were very helpful. Through this experience, I gained the skills needed to conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and confidently provide compliance advice.
Throughout my time in this role, I have encountered residents in the borough who are in crucial need of assistance. I have been able to intervene to improve their living conditions and facilitate support from other teams within the council. I find this work both fascinating and incredibly rewarding.
When I first started, the idea of leading visits, discussing compliance, and taking enforcement actions felt daunting. However, through the training provided and the support from my colleagues, I’ve blended different aspects of their approaches to develop my own style. Now, I confidently lead visits and have taken multiple forms of enforcement action when necessary.
The role continues to captivate me as I find there is always more to learn about housing. The diverse nature of the sector allows me to engage in various areas, enabling continuous growth in my experience and knowledge.
Having completed my apprenticeship, I am eager to grow professionally and pursue further development opportunities.
I was motivated to apply for the housing enforcement apprenticeship after seeing an advert from Greater Manchester Combined Authority. In my previous role, I visited families struggling to heat their homes and pay energy bills. Here I saw firsthand the impact poor housing conditions had on people’s wellbeing. The apprenticeship felt like the perfect opportunity to make a bigger difference by tackling these problems at their root and helping to ensure any private residential premises, provides a safe and healthy environment for any potential occupier or visitor.
Since starting, I’ve found the role to be varied and rewarding. A typical day might involve inspecting properties under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, checking gas and electrical safety certificates, or advising landlords on repairs. Sometimes enforcement action is needed, but often it’s about working with landlords to help them understand what’s required.
The course covered a wide range of topics, from working with partner organisations to carrying out inspections and applying housing regulations in practice. Having a recognised qualification has boosted my confidence, skills, and career prospects and I have since gained a promotion to Technical Officer. This highlights the opportunities that can follow the apprenticeship and the potential for long‑term career growth. Importantly, I began this apprenticeship in my thirties showing that apprenticeships aren’t just for school leavers, but for anyone ready to take on a new challenge and grow their career.
Working in a team has been another highlight of the apprenticeship. The environment is team focused, and I’ve learned so much from experienced officers who are committed to improving housing standards. With the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, our work is more important than ever in helping both tenants and landlords adapt to new expectations.
To anyone considering applying for a housing enforcement apprenticeship, I would say: go for it. It’s a rewarding role where you can make a real difference to people’s lives, gain a qualification, and build a career in a field that truly matters.
