Sara Roberts, Chief Operating Officer at Kingdom Academy
Unesco’s World Youth Skills Day 2025 calls on us to consider how we equip young people with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. This year’s theme – Youth Skills for Peace and Development through Digital and AI Solutions – feels especially relevant for those of us working in housing.
At first glance, housing might not seem like the obvious setting for conversations about artificial intelligence or digital transformation. But the truth is, technology is already reshaping how services are delivered. From predictive repairs to data-led tenancy support, the sector is changing, and the next generation will be at the forefront of that change.
But systems alone will not drive progress. It is people who will shape the future of housing. And the skills they bring – critical thinking, ethical decision-making, digital awareness and empathy, are just as important as the platforms they use.
The power of young professionals in a digital context
At Kingdom Academy, we work with young apprentices and early-career professionals who are stepping into the sector with ambition, energy and a clear sense of purpose. Many are confident with technology, but what stands out most is their drive to make a difference.
They want to understand how digital tools can improve lives, not just automate processes. They want to know how policy connects with people. And they are asking important questions about the future… Not only of housing, but of their own careers within it.
One of the most powerful things we can do as a sector is make space for that thinking. When we invest in high-quality training and create space for curiosity, we see young professionals grow in confidence and impact.
Recognising excellence: CIH Apprentice of the Year
We are incredibly proud that one of our learners, Eve Jakeman from West Lancashire Borough Council, was named CIH Apprentice of the Year this year. Eve joined the sector without previous housing experience but made rapid progress, spending time across key departments and thriving in the high-pressure environment of the Repairs Team.
She represents what is possible when talent is supported with the right training and a belief in long-term development. Her success is not just personal, it’s a reflection of what the future of housing can look like when young people are given real responsibility and the space to grow.
Learning that listens
If we want to attract and retain young talent in housing, the quality of the learning experience matters. It’s not just about delivering content. It’s about creating the kind of environment where young people feel safe to ask questions, explore ideas and build the confidence to speak up.
That’s what we focus on at Kingdom Academy – and the results reflect that commitment. In our latest learner survey:
- 99% rated our skills coaches as Excellent or Good
- 98% said their trainer was responsive to learner needs
- 95% rated the overall quality of our workshops as Excellent or Good
- 88% would recommend the sessions to others
The comments bring that data to life:
“I feel more confident about applying what I’ve learned in practice.”
“The trainer created a space where it felt safe to ask questions and take part.”
“Being part of a cohort has helped me realise how much I can learn from others.”
These are professionals who aren’t just absorbing information. They are engaging, questioning and actively contributing from the very start. That’s the kind of learning that sticks, and the kind that drives real change in the sector.
Skills that match the moment
As digital and AI tools become more embedded in housing, we need professionals who understand how to use them well, and when to pause and think. For example:
- Can we identify potential bias in how a risk score is generated?
- Do automated systems reflect the complexity of tenants’ lives?
- Are we using data to empower people, or to label them?
These are questions that require more than just technical skills. They require reflection, collaboration and a commitment to fairness – all of which can be developed through high-quality, human-centred training.
Housing Investing in people, not just platforms
Preparing for the future means investing in the people who will shape it. That means:
- Providing accessible, inclusive pathways into housing
- Supporting digital learning that links to frontline realities Encouraging ethical thinking and reflective practice
- Creating environments where young professionals feel heard and valued
Skills development is not a nice-to-have. It is central to building a workforce that can respond to change while staying grounded in purpose.
Looking ahead - why skills, not just systems, will shape the future of housing
There is huge potential in the next generation of housing professionals. They bring energy, adaptability and a strong desire to make a difference. On World Youth Skills Day, we are proud to be part of that journey.
At Kingdom Academy, we believe that when you combine meaningful training with digital awareness and sector insight, you do more than prepare people for jobs. You equip them to lead change. And that is what the future of housing needs.
If you’re working with young people in housing or shaping training pathways in your organisation, we’d love to connect. Now is the time to make sure the next generation is equipped not just with technical knowledge, but with the confidence and context to use it well.