Learning throughout my career

NCHA's Director of Assets and Property Services, David Langhorne, describes his experience of studying for the Chartered Institute of Housing Level 5 Diploma in Housing.

Learning never stops, no matter where you are in your career. As it’s Learning at Work Week (12–18 May), I wanted to share how professional development can still be hugely rewarding, even after almost two decades in the housing sector.

I am over halfway through the CIH Level 5 Diploma in Housing with Access Training, the professional qualification for senior housing professionals. It’s been an interesting journey, especially as I never envisaged myself going back into education!

The course has given me the opportunity to step back, reflect, and reconnect with the core principles of housing. It’s so easy to get caught up in day-to-day demands, especially during times of change, but studying has reminded me why we do what we do, and how to stay focused on outcomes for customers.

A fresh perspective

The qualification has given me a fresh perspective and helped me think differently about strategy, regulation and the customer experience. It’s also helped me support the development of our teams, because I’ve seen how important it is to embed learning across every level of the organisation.

You’re never too old to learn

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in housing, there’s always more to learn. You’re never too experienced, or too old, to take on a new qualification. If anything, it’s more rewarding because you can apply your learning immediately.

At NCHA, we support professional development, but we’re also focused on making sure any training or qualifications are relevant to your role. That means what you learn can make an impact right away, whether it’s improving customer experience, enhancing safety standards, or driving service improvements.

Keep learning and growing

As it’s Learning at Work Week, it’s a fitting time to reflect on how learning supports progress. We’re building a service we can be proud of. And we can only do that if we keep learning, from customers, from each other, and through formal qualifications like the CIH Level 5.

So, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve spent a lifetime in housing, Learning at Work Week is a reminder that there’s always an opportunity to grow.