July is a time for both reflection and momentum as people head towards their holidays and enjoying the long summer nights. As we celebrate our latest learner cohorts success we also want to look ahead to a new season of development. This month we’re spotlighting achievements, skills, and smarter ways to grow. From national awards and fantastic feedback on recently completed programmes… To new pathways launching this September, we’re here to help you choose the right next step, from accelerated qualifications to full apprenticeships.
Here’s what’s happening in this edition:
- Big news! Our learner Eve Jakeman wins CIH Apprentice of the Year
- Results Are In: Our Learners Are Achieving Real Impact
- Fast-track your future: Start in Sept, qualify by spring!
- World Youth Skills Day – Sara shares why skills still matter
- Apprenticeship or qualification? We help you decide
- Our upcoming Lunch & Learn sessions
- Why Learn With Kingdom Academy
Celebrating Success: CIH Apprentice of the Year
We’re incredibly proud to share that Eve Jakeman, Housing & Property Management Level 3 Apprentice at West Lancashire Borough Council, has been named CIH Apprentice of the Year.
Eve’s journey is a powerful example of what can happen when potential is matched with the right support and opportunity. From starting with no sector experience to leading on resident engagement projects, her story is one of growth, impact and generosity.
What makes Eve stand out? She’s not only developed her own skills, but supported peers, helped build a learning culture in her team, and delivered real outcomes for residents in her community.
Her resilience, commitment and leadership reflect exactly why apprenticeships matter for individuals, organisations and the wider sector.
Read the full story and get inspired by Eve’s journey:
Results Are In: Our Learners Are Achieving Real Impact
We’ve gathered the latest feedback from our learners – and the results reflect the commitment, quality and support that sit at the heart of every Kingdom Academy programme.
Across both apprenticeships and qualifications, learners consistently told us they feel encouraged, equipped and able to grow in their roles.
Here’s a snapshot:
- 99% rated their trainer’s skills and knowledge as Excellent or Good
- 95% rated the quality of the workshops as Excellent or Good
- 8% said their trainer was responsive to their needs
- 88% would definitely recommend the workshops to others
- 98% said attending was a good investment of their time
But it’s not just about percentages. Here’s what learners told us:
“Sometimes new learning can be daunting, but knowing I can ask questions without feeling it’s a dumb question is important.”
“The energy and passion of the tutor made the session rewarding, informative and enjoyable.”
“Having last done any qualifications 25 years ago, it was daunting – but I’m up for the challenge!”
Learning with Kingdom Academy is more than ticking a box, it’s about real confidence, real progress, and support that sticks. Our approach is practical, people-focused, and built around what learners actually need to succeed. A great example? Our open-access Learner Hub, which brings together guidance, tools and sector-relevant insights to support learning at every stage.
Explore the Learner Hub and see how we support every step of the journey
Fast-Track Your Future: Start in September, Qualify by Spring
Looking to accelerate your career in housing without compromising on quality? Our fast-track qualifications are designed to help experienced professionals move forward – quickly, confidently and with the right support.
Exclusive to Kingdom Academy – CIH Accelerated Level 5 Diploma in Housing
Complete in just 8 months, this intensive programme equips senior professionals with the leadership, compliance and strategic thinking skills needed to thrive. Ideal for those needing to meet the requirements of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023.
- 14 interactive masterclasses
- Delivered by expert tutors with real sector experience
- Suitable for those qualified at Level 4 or above
- CIHCM designation upon completion
- £2,795 + VAT for individual enrolment
“It’s the pace and structure that worked for us – fast, but deeply practical and relevant.” – Employer feedback
Find out more about the CIH Accelerated Level 5 Diploma…
Also Enrolling Now – Innovate Level 4 Certificate in Senior Housing & Property Management
A 6-month, competence-based programme focused on legislation, compliance, business planning and customer engagement. Perfect for those looking to formalise experience or step into senior roles.
- Live online workshops and practical assignments
- Qualification aligned with the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023
- Designed for current housing and property managers
- £1,995 + VAT for individual enrolment
“My decision-making is far more confident now. I feel ready to take on more responsibility.” -Learner feedback
Find out more about the Innovate Level 4 Certificate
World Youth Skills Day: Why Skills Still Matter
On World Youth Skills Day, our COO Sara Roberts reflected on what the future of housing really needs, and it’s not just systems or platforms. It’s people. People with the critical thinking, digital awareness and empathy to lead change.
In a sector already shaped by data and automation, Sara makes the case that human-centred training is more important than ever. From ethical decision-making to reflective practice, the skills we invest in now will shape the workforce of the future.
“The next generation won’t just use new tools – they’ll decide how and why they’re used. That takes more than knowledge. It takes confidence, curiosity and the right support.”
If you’re working with early-career professionals or planning your organisation’s training strategy, this one’s worth a read. Read the full article: Why Skills, Not Just Systems, Will Shape the Future of Housing
Apprenticeship or Qualification? What’s Right for Your Team?
If you’ve been weighing up whether to go for a standalone qualification or invest in an apprenticeship, you’re not alone. It’s a question we hear often, and the answer depends on your goals.
At face value, options like the CIH Level 4 Certificate and the Level 4 Housing and Property Management Apprenticeship may look similar. But the apprenticeship route can offer something more strategic.
Here’s why more employers are choosing apprenticeships:
- Work-based learning that sticks
The apprenticeship is job-embedded, which means learners apply what they’re learning in real time, with real impact. That translates into faster confidence, better retention and more meaningful development. - Funded development, real ROI
Thanks to Apprenticeship Levy and government funding, the cost to the learner is zero – and the cost to the employer is minimal. Compared to self-funded qualifications, apprenticeships stretch budgets further. - Progression-ready learners
Apprentices develop technical knowledge and behavioural competencies like communication, problem-solving and leadership… All with the wraparound support of a mentor and assessor.
That’s why so many of our partners are moving beyond standalone qualifications and embedding apprenticeships into their workforce development strategy. Read our full article on why apprenticeships are leading the way in housing…
August Lunch & Learn Sessions: Free CPD That Fits Your Day
Our Lunch & Learn series continues throughout August, offering bite-sized sessions designed to support professional development in a practical, accessible way. Whether you’re brushing up on coaching techniques or looking for new ways to manage workload, these sessions are open to all learners and free to attend.
Here’s what’s coming up:
6 August – Workload Management
Facilitator: Bobbie Carter
Discover practical tips and methods to manage your workload effectively, ideal for anyone juggling competing priorities.
13 August – Preparing for Interviews
Facilitator: Angela Freeman
Get ready for your next career step with confidence with this session that will help you prepare effectively and present your strengths clearly.
19 August – Stigmatised Housing Tenants
Facilitator: Lynn Jarvie
Explore the challenges some tenants face in social housing and what professionals can do to support more inclusive practice.
27 August – Using Coaching in Everyday Conversations
Facilitator: Karen Booty
Learn how simple coaching techniques can support team members and encourage problem-solving in everyday interactions.
Each session is:
- Just 30 minutes
- Sector-relevant and learner-focused
- Delivered by experienced facilitators who understand the challenges you face
Why Learn with Kingdom Academy?
At Kingdom Academy, learning isn’t just about passing assessments – it’s about unlocking potential, building confidence, and creating lasting impact in the housing sector.
Whether you’re accelerating your qualification, exploring an apprenticeship route, or joining a Lunch & Learn session, you’ll benefit from:
- Tutors and coaches who understand the realities of your role
- Practical learning that connects directly to your day-to-day work
- Flexible delivery that fits around your professional life
- A supportive environment that values your whole learning journey
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to guide you.
Contact our team at enrolment@kingdom-academy.co.uk or visit our website to explore upcoming programmes.
Developing People. Transforming Organisations