How The Housing Agency supports learning in the housing sector

As Ireland’s housing system continues to evolve, the need for well-trained, knowledgeable, and confident housing professionals has never been greater, writes Dympna Clerkin, Training and Information Manager, The Housing Agency.

Delivering social, affordable, and sustainable housing requires investment not only in homes and infrastructure, but also in the people who plan, deliver, and manage housing services.

Recognising this need, The Housing Agency has made education, training, and professional development a key priority, helping to build capacity across local authorities, approved housing bodies, and the wider housing sector.

Through a range of initiatives and partnerships, the agency supports both new entrants and experienced practitioners to develop the skills and knowledge required to meet current and future housing challenges.

Among its recent initiatives are the Social and Affordable Housing Apprenticeship Programme and the Housing Essentials webinar series, both designed to strengthen professional expertise across the sector.

A growing focus

Housing has become increasingly complex in recent years. Professionals are expected to understand a broad scope of issues including housing policy, regulation, legislation, finance, tenancy management, homelessness responses, community development, land use, accessibility requirements, and sustainability objectives.

To support this changing environment, The Housing Agency invests in learning opportunities that are practical, accessible, and career-relevant. By hosting conferences, webinars, and partnerships with education providers, the agency promotes a culture of continuous professional development.

It also facilitates the Housing Training Network, which brings together organisations that deliver housing-related training, education, resources, and events. By sharing expertise and coordinating learning opportunities, the network helps strengthen skills, build sector capacity, and advance the professionalisation of housing in Ireland.

This commitment reflects a recognition that successful housing delivery depends on skilled professionals who can apply both policy and practical knowledge to meet the evolving needs of communities.

A new entry route

One of the most significant developments in housing education is the Social and Affordable Housing Apprenticeship Programme, an important ‘earn-while-you-learn’ initiative scheduled to launch in autumn 2026, subject to QQI approval.

Developed through collaboration between housing and education stakeholders, the programme will create a structured pathway into housing careers. Apprentices will spend four days a week gaining hands-on experience as trainee housing officers with a local authority or approved housing body, while dedicating one day to formal classroom learning.

The programme was developed through close collaboration between the City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB), local authorities, approved housing bodies, the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH), and The Housing Agency.

The apprenticeship aims to address a key challenge facing the sector: attracting and developing the next generation of housing professionals. By combining recognised training with practical workplace experience, it will help expand the talent pool available to housing organisations across Ireland.

For employers, the programme offers an opportunity to develop future professionals with the skills needed to meet local housing needs. For participants, it provides valuable work experience, formal learning, and clear career progression, making housing an attractive option for school leavers, career changers, and those seeking opportunities in a growing sector.

Housing Essentials

Alongside creating new pathways into housing careers, The Housing Agency has also introduced Housing Essentials, a free webinar series designed to build understanding of Ireland’s housing system.

Launched in June 2026, Housing Essentials is aimed at those new to housing as well as experienced staff seeking a practical refresher. The series was developed in response to the complexity of the housing sector, where multiple policies, organisations, supports, and delivery structures can make it difficult for people to gain a clear understanding of how the system operates.

Delivered by subject matter experts from across The Housing Agency, the five-part series consists of focused one-hour webinars that help participants build confidence, understand key terminology, and apply learning in their day-to-day roles.

Topics include an overview of Ireland’s housing system, social housing operations, affordable housing supports, and inclusive housing approaches. Participants gain insights into areas such as housing policy and legislation, housing allocation processes, affordable purchase and cost rental schemes, as well as initiatives including Housing First and accessible housing.

By making the programme free and available online, The Housing Agency has ensured that practitioners throughout the country can access learning opportunities regardless of location or organisational size.

Investing in people

The Social and Affordable Housing Apprenticeship Programme and Housing Essentials webinar series demonstrate The Housing Agency’s commitment to supporting learning at every stage of a housing professional’s career. One creates a pathway into the sector, while the other strengthens knowledge and understanding among existing professionals.

Together, these initiatives represent a strategic investment in people as well as housing delivery and support the agency’s wider ambition to contribute to the professionalisation of the housing sector.

By helping to establish housing as a distinct professional discipline, comparable to planning and architecture, with its own body of knowledge, specialist skills, and career pathways, The Housing Agency is supporting the development of a highly skilled and confident workforce. Through practical, accessible, and career-focused learning opportunities, the agency is helping to ensure the sector has the expertise needed to deliver high-quality homes, effective services, and sustainable communities for the future.

Visit the Housing Training Network website: https://housingtraining.ie

Find out more about housing education bursaries: https://www.housingagency.ie/housing-education-bursary-scheme-2026-2027

To keep up to date on courses and activity happening, sign up to The Housing Agency newsletter: https://www.housingagency.ie/newsletter/