Why Apprenticeships Matter More Than Ever: Leaders Across Housing Share Their Journeys

Why Apprenticeships Matter More Than Ever: Leaders Across Housing Share Their Journeys

Choosing whether to become an apprentice isn’t just a career question, it’s a life-shaping decision. And when you’re exploring your options, what you most want is honesty from people who’ve been there: leaders who started their careers as an apprentice or invested in their skills and now champion them.  

Six senior leaders across the housing and property sector share their experiences about the investment they’ve made in their careers and how that’s shaped their journey to leadership.

Apprenticeships don’t just prepare you for work. They prepare you for leadership, for resilience, and for opportunities you can’t always see at the start.

Niall Clark’s apprenticeship as an electrician didn’t just give him a trade and built the foundations of his work ethic and leadership style. Today, as Managing Director of Rykneld Homes, he describes his apprenticeship as “invaluable.”

“It was the perfect introduction into the trade, blending real life experience with learning — a combination I consider more valuable than qualifications alone.”

Niall credits inspiring mentors for shaping his standards, including one piece of advice that has guided him ever since:

“Never walk away from something until it’s something you would accept in your own home.”

He believes apprenticeships are powerful and a route that values practical skill and work ethic just as much as academic achievement.

“Apprentices should be valued in the same way as staff with high academic qualifications. In this industry, practical application is everything - nothing is better than being on the job, learning in real life situations and growing in confidence as a result.” 

Like the other leaders, resilience features strongly in his story. Early in his career, he faced redundancy when his company went into liquidation, but his technical skills and mindset saw him through.

“Having a trade will always mean you can find a job… you do what you need to do, it’s part of being committed to your career.”

Today, Niall advocates apprenticeships as the perfect pathway into social housing:

“It provides real‑world knowledge with educational support… and opens a lot of avenues for your future.”

Lee Hartley began his career as a quantity surveying apprentice; a decision he now describes as central to everything he has achieved.

“I feel fortunate to have kicked my career off with an apprenticeship… it helped me develop confidence and understand how things work in a real workplace.”

Like other leaders, Lee identifies adaptability and communication as the skills that matter most:

“Apprenticeships teach you to learn quickly, adjust to new situations, and put knowledge into practice straight away.”
Moving from technical tasks to leadership roles wasn’t easy, but apprenticeships gave him the tools to navigate uncertainty, ask for feedback and keep evolving.

“It’s also important to remain positive when things are uncertain during times of change. Staying calm, gathering the right information, and staying focused on what you can do to stay in control helps you to navigate those situations.” 

Lee also emphasises that apprentices should go beyond the basics:

“Don’t just complete tasks… look for ways to contribute and learn. You’re surrounded by people who can help guide you.”

Today, as CEO of Novus Property Solutions where he started his apprenticeship, he believes investing in apprenticeships is essential to securing the future of the housing sector.

“Apprentices are the future of our industry… the better equipped they are, the more future‑proofed we are.”

Elly Hoult’s journey is one of transformation. Whilst never completing an apprenticeship, she has spent her entire career investing in upskilling. During her year as CIH President, she campaigned for more people to consider a career in housing, highlighting the diverse opportunities on offer. Starting out as a 16‑year‑old admin assistant who doubted her capabilities, she credits her learning journey with giving her the confidence she didn’t know she had.

“Undertaking my CIH qualifications gave me confidence, credibility and momentum… learning on the job is not a compromise but a strength.”

Today, as Chief Operating Officer at Peabody, Elly is a mentor with PfP Thrive and a passionate advocate for apprenticeships at all career stages.

“Apprenticeships are for everyone… they’re one of the most powerful ways to get into housing and progress within it.”

Lucy Gebbie began her journey as a determined but uncertain 16‑year‑old, unsure of her future. Her apprenticeship didn’t just teach her technical skills; it also shaped the mindset that has carried her through three decades of career progression.

“Apprenticeships play a fundamental role in shaping what your career can become… they give you the opportunity to learn in a real working environment.”

Lucy emphasises that apprenticeships are especially powerful for people who don’t thrive in academic settings:

“Traditional academic routes aren’t right for everyone… apprenticeships offer the chance to build confidence and prove your potential.”

Her own career has been defined by continuous learning — moving across the country, gaining multiple qualifications (AAT, ILM Level 4, GNVQ, HND), and soon completing a CMI Level 7 before starting her CIH Level 5.

She also speaks candidly about challenges:

“I’ve faced many challenges… but it’s important to reflect and use them for growth.”

Most importantly, Lucy champions the role of people, mentors and those “right place, right time” moments that shape a career.

“Effective people management matters above all else… you can achieve anything with hard work and a little luck.”

For Dean Wall, apprenticeships aren’t just a route in but the foundation of everything he’s become.

“Housing is a career that matters… apprenticeships give you hands‑on experience, structured learning, and a real sense of ownership from day one.”

Now a senior director responsible for thousands of homes, Dean says apprenticeships build the traits leaders rely on.

“You’ll encounter challenges that push you out of your comfort zone, and those are the moments where real growth happens.”

Dan Crossley knew early that A Levels weren’t for him. What he didn’t know was that the apprenticeship he applied for would set him up for a 22-year career spanning technical, operational and leadership roles.‑Levels weren’t for him. What he didn’t know was that the apprenticeship he applied would set him up for a 22‑year career spanning technical, operational and leadership roles.

“I believe that – along with trying to see the bigger picture – has allowed me to make the right ‘career defining’ decisions and have the confidence to take risks when opportunities have arisen over the years that some may have not done.”‑career as they are at the beginning.

Dan went on to complete a second apprenticeship — this time in operations management — proving apprenticeships are just as valuable midcareer as they are at the beginning.

“Ultimately, it’s made me believe in clear pathways for apprentices, rising stars and aspiring leaders to progress internally and externally. Businesses should prioritise training, coaching and mentoring opportunities and development opportunities.”

For him, apprenticeships build the resilience and mindset that carry people through personal and professional challenges.

Shared truths from sector leaders who believe in the power of apprenticeships:

Despite different roles, sectors and starting points, the messages from Lee, Elly, Dean, Dan, Lucy and Niall converge:

1. Apprenticeships build confidence and unlock hidden potential
2. They prepare people for real responsibility early
3. They create leaders grounded in lived experience
4. They widen access and open doors for those who favour practical learning
5. They develop resilience — the thing every leader needs