Career pathways
We asked some of our people to share more about their roles and what attracts them to L&Q as well as how our apprenticeship and graduate programmes helped them on their career paths.
Direct Maintenance
Our Direct Maintenance team works to keep our homes in good repair and our customers satisfied. Roles include:
- Multi-skilled Operatives
- Maintenance Supervisors
- Building Surveyors
Testimonials
- Penny Stadler, Operations Support Team Leader"I have worked for L&Q for over a decade in several different roles. I haven’t been happier than in my current role as an Operations Support Team Leader within Direct Maintenance.
"It is the most demanding, but also the most rewarding job I have had, managing a team of Work Planners to ensure repairs are carried out in our resident's homes.
"I get great job satisfaction knowing we are delivering a great service to our customers and continually working to improve that service.
"Nothing matters more than your home, and keeping that in good repair, safe and secure is the most important part of our job." - Katie Richards, Work Planner"I began working as a work planner for the maintenance team within L&Q just under two years ago and have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the maintenance team.
"I work with a diverse group of great people and enjoy the variation and challenges the role brings, I enjoy a fast-paced environment where I can continually grow and learn new things, and this role offers this for me.
"I didn’t have any experience within the social housing industry; however, the team and team managers are very supportive and patient and helped me quickly feel comfortable and confident.
"I look forward to the future and future development within L&Q."
Technology
A career in our IT team means helping support the technology our business relies on. Roles cover such areas as:
- Development
- Infrastructure
- Support
Testimonial
- Imogen Vincent, IT Contract Manager"Joining L&Q has been an incredibly positive experience for me.
"The company's strong commitment to its core values has created a work environment where integrity, collaboration, and innovation thrive, making it an ideal place to contribute and grow professionally.
"In my time here, I've witnessed firsthand how the company's values translate into impactful initiatives that contribute not only to the success of the organisation but also to the well-being of its employees. I am proud to be part of a company that values its people and strives for excellence in all aspects of its operations.
"One of the aspects I appreciate the most about my role is the dynamic nature of each day. The variety of challenges and projects keeps the work engaging and ensures that I am constantly learning and adapting, which aligns perfectly with my professional goals.
Further to this, L&Q’s commitment to creating a positive and inclusive work environment is evident in the support and encouragement I've received since joining. The strong sense of community among colleagues has made the transition into my role seamless, and I feel truly valued as a member of the team."
L&Q Living
L&Q Living offers a broad range of careers in care and support. Roles include:
- Care Managers
- Bank Support Workers
- Care and Support Assistants
Customer Services
Our Customer Services team is the first point of contact for our customers and is vital to our mission. Roles cover areas such as:
- Contact Centre
- Customer Relations
Testimonials
- Yvonne Daini, Customer Service Advisor"I have worked at L&Q as a CSA for over a year and have loved the positive work-life balance it has given me.
"I can prioritise family life whilst also working full-time. The team at L&Q goes to great lengths to ensure that remote working still allows for a great team culture and a supportive ecosystem.
"As a CSA every day is filled with a sense of achievement, solving customer requests but also the recognition from the business in the form of promotions and learning about the business more broadly." - Julie Everson, Customer Service Advisor"I joined L&Q in May 2022 and my time has been amazing.
"I have two underlying health conditions which make it difficult to drive. Being able to work from home and be part of the workforce again, has been truly liberating. L&Q is fabulous at including and not discriminating against anyone with disabilities. Everyone is made to feel part of the team.
"The part I enjoy most at L&Q is how we make a difference to our clients on a daily basis. To hear the client's relief and gratitude is very rewarding. I have been trained within multiple departments, and waiting to start a new training course very shortly, which makes life much easier for our clients in only making one call and not having to wait in queues for other departments.
"Why L&Q? The values of people, passion, inclusion, impact and responsibility really grabbed me. We can implement these values every day. And having an environment where I can grow and learn is important to me too."
Early Talent programme
Our Early Talent programme provides apprenticeship and graduate positions to a diverse range of people, from school and college leavers to recent graduates and those seeking a career change.
Supporting our colleagues is really important to us at L&Q, that's why we help you develop key skills, gain valuable experience and achieve your career aspirations.
These two or three-year programmes, provide qualifications and the opportunity to put that learning into practice on the job.
As well as fully funded qualifications delivered by recognised universities, colleges and training providers, our dedicated Talent Development team provide a programme of support and learning to build your confidence in the workplace.
By the end of the programme, you’ll be qualified and ready to step into a permanent position with us.
- ApprenticeshipsBy gaining an apprenticeship we have recognised that you have both the academic understanding of the subject and the evidence to apply that knowledge, skills and behaviours in the workplace.
Your apprenticeship involves a structured programme of learning which is a balance of formal learning and practical on-the-job training.
With around 600 apprenticeship qualifications (known as ‘standards’) in all disciplines, it is an effective way to build capability within a supported and structured process. - GraduatesAs a university graduate, you have already committed to an investment in your learning and are keen to start your career.
Our graduate roles offer further learning opportunities from charterships and certifications to post-graduate degrees, dependent on skills required in the business.
Apprentice Site Manager, Tommy, talks about his role at our Barking Riverside development, the importance of having a diverse workforce and L&Q's charity football tournament
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Frequently asked questions about our Early Talent Programme
- When do your roles start?We hire two intakes a year, one in January and one in September.
Typically, applications for our January intake open in late October.
For September starts, vacancies will open to applicants in June or July. - Which levels of qualifications do you offer?Depending on the role, the level of standard will vary. However, we offer all levels from level 2 to level 7.
- What qualification will I achieve?As an apprentice, you'll work towards a programme of learning that is right for our organisation, and your chosen career.
Graduates will work towards a programme of learning via an apprenticeship course, route to chartership or a niche qualification aligned to the role, and your career aspirations. - What kind of early talent roles do you offer?We have a wide range of roles within L&Q from Trades (plasterers, joiners and electricians) to Housing, Marketing and Finance.
View a full list of current early talent vacancies. - Where will I learn?Learning takes place in the workplace first and foremost.
Some will attend a college or a training venue, some will learn via an online platform and some will have a blend of both. - Who will support my training and development?Managers help you organise your day-to-day work and guide your development.
Mentors give you extra support throughout your role.
Training providers guide the learning elements of your qualification or professional accreditation.
Your peers will be around to share their experiences and learn from each other. - How long will the apprenticeship last?All apprenticeships are different. Some vary between 12-15 months whilst others can be 36-48 months.
It completely depends on the apprenticeship you are on and your employment contract will run parallel to the course length. - Who can apply for an apprenticeship?Providing you are over the age of 16, have a willingness to commit and meet the minimum criteria set out in the job role, you can apply.
- Who can apply for a graduate role?Providing you have a bachelor’s degree or greater, and meet the minimum requirements stated in the job role, you can apply.
- How do I apply?You can apply on our website. View our early talent vacancies and follow the directions to apply.
You will need to submit a CV and answer a few questions.
If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview. - How much will I earn and what are the perks?Salaries will vary from role to role depending on what experience is required.
Our salaries are listed in the job advert. - Do I need to pay towards the apprenticeship?No. There are no fees for you.
L&Q pay the cost for the course and any course materials required.
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