Building the future workforce: Positioning housing as a career of choice in Northern Ireland

As the housing sector continues to evolve in response to growing demand, regulatory change and increasing complexity, attracting the next generation of talent has never been more important. That’s why the work of Chartered Institute of Housing Northern Ireland and CIH Futures NI to promote housing as a career of choice is both strategic and timely.

This is about more than recruitment. It is about reshaping perceptions, strengthening pathways into the profession, and building a sustainable workforce for the future.

Embedding housing in the careers system

A key milestone has been collaboration with the Department for the Economy. We recently presented careers in housing to over 20 careers advisors across NI and together we have agreed to update the department’s careers publication on housing during the 2026/27 financial year.

The refreshed publication will showcase the breadth of roles across the sector — from housing management and community development to asset management, sustainability and policy — while highlighting apprenticeships and foundation degrees as valuable entry routes.

Importantly, the department is keen to work with CIH Futures NI to develop case studies and profiles that reflect real career journeys. This will ensure young people see housing not as a single job, but as a diverse and dynamic profession.

Reaching students where decisions are made

Engagement has extended into higher education. We met with the Employer Engagement Consultants within the Careers, Employability and Skills team at Queen's University Belfast. As a result, the housing sector will be showcased on the university’s MyFuture platform, ensuring students can easily access information about careers in housing.

“Choose Housing” resources will be visible on the student intranet alongside materials on other employment sectors — helping to position housing as a recognised professional pathway. Plans are also underway to attend the university’s spring careers fair.

Direct engagement with schools and teachers

Beyond policy and university engagement, there has been strong momentum at school level.

In November, along with CI Futures NI we attended a careers teachers’ conference to promote housing as a career of choice. Engagement with more than 30 schools and careers professionals resulted in confirmed attendance at multiple school careers events at the beginning of 2026.

In addition, CIH representatives attended a school in Craigavon to speak directly with students about the opportunities available within housing — discussing apprenticeships, qualifications and the wide variety of roles that exist within the sector.

These conversations are vital. By reaching students early — and equipping teachers and advisers with accurate information — we are helping to challenge outdated perceptions and open doors to a profession many young people may not have previously considered.

Changing the narrative

Housing spans development, regeneration, digital transformation, governance, sustainability and tenant engagement. It offers structured progression, professional qualifications and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in communities.

Through strategic partnerships, university engagement and direct outreach to schools, CIH Northern Ireland and CIH Futures NI are positioning housing as:

• A professional, values-driven career
• A sector with multiple entry routes
• A space for leadership, innovation and long-term progression

By embedding housing within official careers publications, university platforms and school networks, this work moves beyond awareness-raising and towards long-term workforce sustainability.

The future of housing depends on attracting diverse, motivated and skilled individuals. The steps being taken now ensure that when young people ask, “What could I do with my future?” — housing is firmly part of the answer.