Apprenticeships are for everyone: Elly Hoult's journey from admin to leadership

At PfP Thrive, we’re grateful to see so many apprentices come through our doors, each bringing their own ambition and potential. 

What makes it even more rewarding is watching them grow with the support of dedicated mentors who are just as invested in their journey. 

From guiding day-to-day learning to helping apprentices build confidence in themselves, our mentors play a huge part in shaping every success story.

One of these mentors is Elly Hoult, Chief Operating Officer at Peabody, a not-for-profit housing association.

In her role, Elly leads the services that keep residents’ homes safe and well maintained, while championing apprenticeships with PfP Thrive to help grow the next generation of skilled workers in the housing sector.

Two years into her career, Elly completed her own apprenticeship, and it’s something that’s played a big part in why she’s now a mentor.

This belief also rings true at PfP Thrive. As part of Places for People, the UK’s leading Social Enterprise, we know that apprenticeships are for everyone. Together, we’re aiming to unlock potential, transform futures, and strengthen the Communities we serve.

As a mentor, Elly has seen first-hand how structured learning and on-the-job training can unlock so much potential in People, especially in those who didn’t realise they had it. It also gives employers a pipeline of skilled, motivated talent who are ready to step up when the housing sector needs them most.

That passion for developing People is rooted in Elly’s own story. Her understanding of what quality social housing can do for a family started long before it became her career.

“Growing up in a council house, I saw how good housing can change lives, and that stayed with me.

“Working in housing isn’t just a job, it’s a career that shapes Communities and changes lives.”

The housing sector is currently under immense pressure to deliver more homes while facing a long-standing skills shortage, making apprenticeships a practical, scalable solution. That’s why the work that Elly, Peabody, and PfP Thrive are doing is so important. 

“Every home built, maintained, or managed contributes to People’s wellbeing and opportunity, and the sector needs talented, committed individuals to make that happen. For anyone considering their next step, that sense of impact makes it worth taking seriously.”

Leadership and decision-making are other important workplace needs that our apprenticeships and mentors focus on delivering. We encourage apprentices to watch how senior leaders make decisions, ask questions, and start building those leadership behaviours early on.

“Apprenticeships widen access to leadership. They reach People who may not follow traditional academic routes but bring huge value, insight and resilience.

"If we want leadership teams that reflect the Communities we serve, apprenticeships must be part of the solution.”