A new work experience programme from Karbon Foundation is helping people discover the wide range of career opportunities available in the housing sector while developing valuable skills for the future.
Karbon Foundation, the charitable arm of housing association Karbon Homes, has launched Step into Karbon, a week-long programme designed to give participants a meaningful insight into housing and the diverse roles that help communities thrive.
As well as introducing participants to the sector, the programme focuses on building practical and employability skills, helping people gain confidence and take positive steps towards their future career goals.
"Before I started working for a housing association, I had no idea just how many different jobs, career opportunities and specialist teams existed within the sector," said Jennifer Wilson, Employment and Skills Team Manager at Karbon Homes.
"The idea behind Step into Karbon was to create an opportunity for people to learn more about housing and explore a sector that they may not have previously considered as a potential career path."
Throughout the week, participants will meet colleagues from a range of teams across Karbon, including Sales and Marketing, Planned Investment, Health and Safety, and more. They will have the chance to learn about different roles and choose the departments that interest them most, before spending time job-shadowing colleagues and gaining hands-on experience.
"Often with traditional work experience, you're placed wherever an opportunity is available," Jennifer added. "Step into Karbon gives people the freedom to explore the areas that align with their interests and career ambitions or even discover a role they hadn't considered before."
To ensure participants get the most from the experience, the programme has been designed to be welcoming, supportive and practical. Karbon's Employment and Skills Team will provide guidance throughout the week, including support with CV writing, application forms and interview preparation. Recruitment specialists Sellick Partnership will also contribute their expertise to help participants develop the skills employers are looking for.
"We want people to leave with a clear pathway to build upon, whether that's developing employability skills, improving their confidence or gaining practical experience," said Jennifer.
"By the end of the week, we hope participants will leave with a greater understanding of the housing sector, increased confidence and higher aspirations for their future careers."
The pilot Step into Karbon programme will take place from 28 September to 3 October 2026.
To find out more about the employment support we offer, visit our Employment and Skills page.
A new work experience programme from Karbon Foundation is helping people discover the wide range of career opportunities available in the housing sector while developing valuable skills for the future.
Karbon Foundation, the charitable arm of housing association Karbon Homes, has launched Step into Karbon, a week-long programme designed to give participants a meaningful insight into housing and the diverse roles that help communities thrive.
As well as introducing participants to the sector, the programme focuses on building practical and employability skills, helping people gain confidence and take positive steps towards their future career goals.
"Before I started working for a housing association, I had no idea just how many different jobs, career opportunities and specialist teams existed within the sector," said Jennifer Wilson, Employment and Skills Team Manager at Karbon Homes.
"The idea behind Step into Karbon was to create an opportunity for people to learn more about housing and explore a sector that they may not have previously considered as a potential career path."
Throughout the week, participants will meet colleagues from a range of teams across Karbon, including Sales and Marketing, Planned Investment, Health and Safety, and more. They will have the chance to learn about different roles and choose the departments that interest them most, before spending time job-shadowing colleagues and gaining hands-on experience.
"Often with traditional work experience, you're placed wherever an opportunity is available," Jennifer added. "Step into Karbon gives people the freedom to explore the areas that align with their interests and career ambitions or even discover a role they hadn't considered before."
To ensure participants get the most from the experience, the programme has been designed to be welcoming, supportive and practical. Karbon's Employment and Skills Team will provide guidance throughout the week, including support with CV writing, application forms and interview preparation. Recruitment specialists Sellick Partnership will also contribute their expertise to help participants develop the skills employers are looking for.
"We want people to leave with a clear pathway to build upon, whether that's developing employability skills, improving their confidence or gaining practical experience," said Jennifer.
"By the end of the week, we hope participants will leave with a greater understanding of the housing sector, increased confidence and higher aspirations for their future careers."
The pilot Step into Karbon programme will take place from 28 September to 3 October 2026.
To find out more about the employment support we offer, visit our Employment and Skills page.
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