Accommodation warden apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this roleapplying directly
College
You could take a college course, before applying for a job. Courses include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Facilities Services
- Level 2 Certificate in Housing Practice
- Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.
Apprenticeship
You can train for this job through a Level 2 housing and property management assistant apprenticeship, or a Level 3 apprenticeship in housing and property management.
You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for a Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship.
Work
You could work as a warden's assistant and become qualified through on-the-job training. You could also work your way up by doing customer service courses.
Volunteering
You could start as a volunteer warden, for example, if you want to work with the Youth Hostel Association.
Direct Application
To apply directly, you'll usually need some GCSEs or equivalent, including English and maths.
You'll also find it helpful to have paid or unpaid experience of working with vulnerable groups and experience of working in a care setting.
Accommodation warden apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- business management skills
- administration skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to
pass enhanced background checks
Accommodation warden apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day duties you could:
- allocate and manage accommodation
- control rent arrears
- inspect property and arrange for repairs to be carried out
- supervise catering, cleaning and maintenance staff
- look after the welfare of residents
- check on health and safety, and do risk assessments
- work with outside agencies, carers and parents
- deal with emergencies
Working environment
You could work in the community or at an adult care home.
Career path and progression - Accommodation warden apprenticeships
With experience, you could become an accommodation manager with responsibility for several centres and wardens. You could also work in housing or block management.
With further study, you could work in a related area like social work or counselling.