Harry Toogood

Home Ownership Assistant

When did you join Aster and what were you doing?  

Before joining the Aster Group in 2018, I was studying my A-levels at college. Following the completion of my first-year studying, I realised the courses I had chosen, were no longer the career path I wished to follow and began to look for a new opportunity. I joined Aster as a Customer Services Apprentice, as this gave me the opportunity to learn something new, whilst earning.  

What happened when you completed your apprenticeship?  

Following the completion of my apprenticeship, I was able use the knowledge and skills I had learnt, both through the course and working in a professional environment, to secure a permanent position within the Home Ownership Team, as a Home Ownership Assistant.  

What did you enjoy the most about your apprenticeship?  

My favourite part of the apprenticeship journey was completing my 20% off the job training. This gave me the opportunity to step away from my role to shadow different positions within the business. I was able to experience a day in the life of each of the housing teams across the group, visiting customers’ homes, attending court, and visiting new properties that were in development. These opportunities allowed me to understand how different areas of the business work and gave me the passion to complete my qualification to progress into one of these roles.   

Did you complete any other qualifications after being made permanent?  

After securing a permanent position at Aster, I was able to complete a further apprenticeship to continue to develop my knowledge. As I was keen to progress within housing, I completed my Level 3 certificate in Housing and Property Management with the Chartered Institute in Housing. I have also recently graduated from the Aspiring Leaders Programme, which has provided me with the tools to continuously develop within the organisation.    

What has your career looked like since being perm, change in roles etc? new responsibilities?  

I have now been an Aster employee for 7 years and have progressed into a variety of different housing roles within the organisation. Following my Home Ownership Assistant role, I progressed into a Customer Accounts Officer position within the Wiltshire team. I recently returned to the Home Ownership Team after successfully obtaining the position of Senior Strategic Home Ownership Officer. I am now responsible for leading a small team who focus on income recovery for customers who own their property. In addition to this, I lead on a variety of strategic projects, such as the selling of vacant land and lease extensions, with the support of a Projects Assistant.    

What's your hopes for the future?  

I am keen to develop my knowledge further and hope to complete a qualification in project management in the future. I am also eager to support my own team members on their journey, sharing the knowledge and skills I have learnt to help them progress within housing.  

What would you say to anyone considering an apprenticeship?  

Go for it! The ability to put the knowledge you are learning into practice is invaluable, and you get paid to do so!