Congratulations to our Council Colleagues in Housing & Building Services

Several members of the Housing team have completed higher-level academic qualifications within the last 18 months.

Among the many new graduates is Christine Ball who joined the Housing team from Adult Services, where she worked as a Care Assistant at Ty Dyfan Residential Home in Barry.

Initially, Chris started work in the Rents team as an apprentice, combining time spent working in the office and learning the ropes from colleagues, alongside studying for an NVQ level 3 in Business Administration.

Talking about the change, Chris said: “My work at Ty Dyfan was very rewarding but also very challenging, after three years I felt the time was right for a change. When I saw the Housing and Rents Apprentice role advertised, I felt it would be a great opportunity to learn new skills and take on a new challenge.”

Chris hit the ground running, learning the main aspects of the role very quickly and her hard work and dedication helped her to secure a permanent position in the team whilst she completed the remainder of her study.

The taste for learning remained and Chris recently signed up to complete a level 4 qualification in Housing Management via the Chartered Institute of Housing.

“I really enjoyed learning for my level 3, so the opportunity to study for the level 4 was a logical step. I am really interested learning more about housing and recognise how important it is for families to have access to safe, secure and affordable housing. The qualification will hopefully give me the opportunity to take on other roles within the Housing team”.

Another member of the Housing team who has recently completed a qualification, is Maria Loe. Maria has been working as a Neighbourhood Assistant in the Housing Management team.

After working in the role for several years Maria felt the time was right to test herself and sign up for a HNC in Housing.

Maria said: “I spent my formative years moving around Europe with my husband who was in the military, it was also a busy time raising two children, so I thought I may have missed out on the chance to study.

“Several members of my family went to college and achieved qualifications and I always knew this was something I could do. So it was great to get the chance and prove to myself that I could do it”.

Maria recently passed the course with flying colours, passing all the modules with an average score of 75%

“The majority of learning during Covid was remote, but I enjoyed the experience as well as working with other students. The assignments came thick and fast, and it was sometimes tricky to meet the deadlines whilst juggling a full-time job and family commitments, but I am proud of what I have achieved, and it will give me more confidence.

“Will I look to continue my learning? I’m not so sure, I’m enjoying the rest now and catching up on gardening and walking my dog. Never say never though, I may find myself back in the college library in future!”

Other team members who have completed qualifications include:

Natalie Paterson (Business Coordinator) - BA Business degree with South Wales University and has graduated this year with First Class Honours.

Dawn Bailey (Tenant Liaison Officer) - HNC in Housing Studies. A degree course at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Linzi Dibble (Tenant Liaison Officer) - HNC in Housing Studies degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

David Davies (Contract Surveyor) – BSc in Construction Project Management degree at South Wales University.

Terry James (Carpenter) – HNC in Building Surveying at the University of South Wales.