Housing association opens free academy to tenants

Published by Julien Tremblin for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Local Government

A housing association has opened its training academy to tenants, delivering certificates in Housing Practice.

Glasgow Housing Association first opened its academy last year. It had previously focused on training and developing staff but is now opened to tenants, as part of GHA’s drive to open up “more education and learning opportunities for people living in its communities”.

At the end of the free three-week course, tenants who pass will qualify with a Chartered Institute of Housing Level 2 certificate in Housing Practice.

The Cabinet Secretary and Glasgow Southside MSP Nicola Sturgeon (Deputy First Minister for Scotland) met some of the tenants who are keen on studying for the certificate. Other courses available to tenants so far include basic computer skills.

Ms Sturgeon said: “Glasgow Housing Association is to be congratulated for offering training opportunities to its tenants.

“Offering educational opportunities through the academy will, I am sure, help tenants gain the necessary skills and qualifications to secure job opportunities.”

The Academy, which was officially opened by Nicola Sturgeon MSP in December last year, includes five training rooms, each equipped with computers and SMART boards, a quiet study area and a conference room which holds up to 150 people.

Hundreds of GHA staff have already benefited from the training facilities.

GHA Chief Executive Martin Armstrong said: “We are absolutely delighted to be opening up The Academy to our tenants and factored homeowners and we hope in future to grow the number of courses on offer.

“We want to give people in our communities real opportunities to get on in life and offering free training and learning at our Academy is one way of doing this.”