Formally launched this week, GOALS demonstrates the Association’s commitment to continuous learning by equipping and supporting colleagues to achieve career growth during their time with Grampian. All colleagues are automatically enrolled in the centre.

The latest colleague to benefit is neighbourhood officer Jessica Adams who has been selected to participate in the GEM Programme. Jess will undertake the CIH Level 4 qualification whilst benefitting from wider mentoring and intensive learning experiences to give real insight into the world of housing and the challenges it faces.

Chris Mathieson, head of people experience at Grampian Housing Association, said: “GOALS, our new centre of excellence for learning and development demonstrates the Association’s clear commitment to develop and create opportunities for both our people and our tenants.

“For colleagues, lifelong learning and development provides new skills, experiences and qualifications which help navigate the world or work; motivating, encouraging and leading future learning all of which delivers enhanced service to tenants.

“GOALS also meets the needs of our tenants and highlights the life-changing impact which new learning, skills and qualifications can have on tenants, their families and their local communities through improving employability opportunities, household incomes and overall wellbeing.

“At Grampian, we encourage everyone to have goals because everyone matters.”

The Association has two ILM-qualified workplace coaches to help colleagues unlock their potential and shape future careers.

Opportunities for colleagues include the range of e-learning qualifications through the Association’s unique partnership with The Skills Network which offer nationally recognised qualifications.

In addition, frontline colleagues are undertaking formal CIH qualifications to equip them to deliver the very best services to tenants and customers. Apprenticeship opportunities are available across the organisation. TLC, the Association’s in-house maintenance subsidiary, already employs apprentices across the trades industries.

As part of the Association’s health and safety compliance all colleagues are undertaking WorkRite e-learning modules covering topics such as manual handling and lone working as well as in other areas of compliance such as preventing fraud and anti-money laundering.

The Association also participates in the Kickstart Scheme with the Department of Work and Pensions offering short paid job placements to young unemployed people.

GOALS also encompasses exciting opportunities for tenants. As well as having access to The Skills Network to access free distance learning qualifications the Association has partnered with Skillzminer, a new employability tool and jobs platform, helping tenants who want to move to a new job, re-enter the employment market or access their dream job.

The Association’s tenancy sustainment services are there to support tenants if their personal or financial issues are holding back their learning and development ambitions.

Tenants interested in working for Grampian can take advantage of student placement and workplace opportunities.

The Association also participates in the Kickstart Scheme with the Department of Work and Pensions offering short paid job placements to young unemployed people.