Choice Housing has launched their Student Placement Programme for 2023, which will offer seven university students the opportunity to join the housing association for a placement year across a range of departments, including HR, Finance, ICT, Assets and Development.  

The Brian McKenna Programme, which is open for applications from students across Northern Ireland will offer paid placements for a year, at a salary of over £19K, including all associated benefits and flexible working hours.

The students will also get the chance to compete to win their final year tuition fee through taking part in a business innovation project.

Michael McDonnell, Group Chief Executive at Choice said,

“This placement programme, now in its third year has proved very popular with university students who are keen to gain experience in their chosen field but who may not know exactly what career path they want to follow.

“Gaining experience working within Choice offers them the opportunity of developing their skills whilst gaining insight into the housing sector in Northern Ireland and specifically the contribution of the social housing sector.

The programme, which was set up in memory of a senior member of the Choice team, Brian McKenna who passed away in February 2019 aims to provide opportunities for young people to gain practical experience in the world of work and develop both professionally and personally as a result.

Michael added: “Brian was committed to working to improve the lives and opportunities for young people and this programme was a fitting tribute to someone who cared so deeply about the future of our young people.”

During their time with Choice, the success students will receive support from a dedicated line manager who will guide them as they develop skills aimed at preparing them for employment, through practical learning and real time problem solving.

Over the course of the year students will also work on their own business innovation project, with the ultimate prize of their last year’s tuition fee paid.

As part of this process, students will be expected to present their project to Choice’s Senior Management Team who will mark them on a range of areas, including problem solving, communication, analytical thinking, and practical learning.

For further information or to apply for the programme, see QUB ’My Future’ website, Ulster University’s website and Choice Website at choice-housing.org