Apprentice Independent Living Officer

Job details

Job reference

REQ002796

• Date posted
• 14/08/2026
• Application closing date
• 30/08/2026
• Location
• Burnley
• Salary
• £15,080
• Contractual hours
• 36.25
• Basis
• Full time
• Job category/type
• Apprenticeship
• Attachments
• Apprentice Independent Living Officer

Job description

• Apprentice Independent Living Officer
• Calico Homes
• Level 2 or Level 3 Housing & Property Management Apprenticeship
• Build Your Future with Calico

Looking for your first step into the world of work?

Want to gain a recognised qualification, earn a salary and make a real difference to people's lives every day?

At Calico, we're looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Apprentice Independent Living Officer to join our Independent Living Team.

This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting older and vulnerable customers to live independently while developing the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for a rewarding career in housing, wellbeing and community support.

No previous housing or support experience is required. If you're passionate about helping people, enjoy building relationships and are willing to learn, we'll support you every step of the way.

Apprenticeship Details

Depending on qualifications and experience, successful applicants will undertake either:

Level 2 Housing & Property Management Apprenticeship

Duration: 15 Months

Suitable for candidates looking to begin their career in housing, support services and customer-facing roles.

Desirable:

• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4 or above

• OR
• Level 3 Housing & Property Management Apprenticeship
• Duration: 18 Months

Suitable for candidates looking to develop specialist knowledge and skills within housing, customer support and tenancy services.

Essential:

• A minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including English and Maths

Why Choose An Apprenticeship With Calico?

At Calico, an apprenticeship is more than just a job.

We've created a dedicated apprenticeship programme designed to give you the support, confidence and opportunities you need to succeed.

As a Calico apprentice you'll receive:

• A bespoke apprentice induction programme
• A dedicated workplace mentor
• A peer mentor to support your journey
• Time for study and learning
• Access to professional training and development opportunities
• Opportunities to learn about different parts of the Calico Group
• The chance to join our Youth Voice Group and help influence change across the organisation
• Supportive managers and colleagues who want to see you succeed
• A recognised qualification and valuable work experience
• A potential long-term career with Calico

Earn While You Learn

As an apprentice, you'll receive a salary from day one whilst working towards your qualification.

• Apprentice Pay Progression
• Period
• Minimum Hourly Rate
• Year 1 (all apprentices)
• £8.00 per hour
• Year 2+ (aged under 19)
• £8.00 per hour
• Year 2+ (aged 19-20)
• £10.85 per hour
• Year 2+ (aged 21+)
• £12.71 per hour

Calico reviews apprentice pay annually and reserves the right to pay above statutory minimum rates.

About Calico Homes

Calico Homes provides high-quality homes and services to thousands of customers across Lancashire.

We believe everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable place to call home. Our teams work together to provide housing, support services and community-based solutions that help people thrive.

Our Independent Living Team supports older and vulnerable customers to live safely, confidently and independently within their homes and communities.

As an Apprentice Independent Living Officer, you'll become part of a team that provides person-centred support and makes a genuine difference to people's lives every day.

What You'll Be Doing

No two days are the same in this role.

Working alongside experienced Independent Living Officers, you'll learn how to:

• Build positive relationships with customers living within our Independent Living communities.
• Carry out wellbeing checks and customer visits.
• Support customers to remain independent within their own homes.
• Learn how to complete support plans and customer reviews.
• Help customers access services, activities and opportunities in their local community.
• Work alongside health professionals, support agencies and partner organisations.
• Help organise activities that reduce loneliness and isolation.
• Learn how to identify risks and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Support health and safety checks across schemes.
• Maintain accurate records and support documentation.
• Develop confidence using digital systems and technology.
• Attend apprenticeship training sessions and complete coursework.
• Participate in learning and development opportunities across the Calico Group.
• Contribute to apprentice projects and Youth Voice activities.
• As your confidence grows, you'll take on increasing responsibility and develop a strong foundation for a career within housing, wellbeing and community support services.

What Makes A Great Apprentice?

We're not expecting you to already know how to be an Independent Living Officer.

We're looking for people who:

• Enjoy helping others
• Are willing to learn
• Build positive relationships
• Communicate well with different people
• Show empathy and kindness
• Have a positive attitude
• Are organised and reliable
• Want to make a difference within their community
• If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Ability to demonstrate empathy and professionalism.
• Commitment to completing the apprenticeship programme.
• An interest in supporting people and communities.

Desirable

• Experience supporting others through school, clubs, sports teams, volunteering or community activities.
• An interest in housing, wellbeing, support services or community work.
• Experience using Microsoft Office or other digital systems.

Our Recruitment Process

We know applying for your first job can feel a little daunting, so we've designed a process that allows you to demonstrate your potential, not just your interview skills.

Step 1 – Application

Complete our online application form and tell us why you're interested in becoming an Apprentice Independent Living Officer with Calico.

Your supporting statement doesn't need to be formal. We want to get to know the real you.

• You may want to tell us about:
• Why you're interested in helping people.
• School, college or personal achievements you're proud of.
• Clubs, sports teams, volunteering or activities you've been involved in.
• Skills you've developed through education or everyday life.
• What excites you about becoming an apprentice.

You're also welcome to include photographs, certificates, projects or achievements you're particularly proud of.

Need Some Help Before You Apply?

We want everyone to have the opportunity to apply.

If you'd like support with completing your application, understanding the apprenticeship, preparing your supporting statement or finding out more about working at Calico, we're here to help. Contact careers@calico.org

Reasonable Adjustments

We are committed to creating a recruitment process that is inclusive and accessible for everyone.

If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, including completing your application, attending the assessment day or taking part in interviews, please let us know.

We understand that everyone is different, and we're happy to discuss any support or adjustments that will help you perform at your best. Contact careers@calico.org

All requests will be treated sensitively and in confidence.

Step 2 – Apprentice Assessment Day

If you're shortlisted, you'll be invited to attend one of our Apprenticeship Assessment Days.

This isn't a traditional interview.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Learn more about Calico and our apprenticeship programme.
• Meet colleagues working in similar roles.
• Visit our workplace and get a feel for the working environment.
• Take part in practical and group-based activities.
• Meet other applicants.
• Show us your communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Ask questions and find out what it's really like to work here.

We want you to feel relaxed, be yourself and have the opportunity to decide whether Calico is right for you.

Step 3 – Offer and Onboarding

Successful applicants will receive an offer to join our apprenticeship programme and begin their journey with a dedicated Apprentice Induction.

You'll meet fellow apprentices, your mentor, your peer mentor and the teams you'll be working with.

What Happens After My Apprenticeship?

Many apprenticeships are the start of a long-term career.

Whilst we cannot guarantee permanent employment, successful apprentices may have opportunities to:

• Apply for permanent roles within Calico.
• Progress onto higher-level qualifications.
• Continue developing specialist housing and support skills.
• Build a long-term career within housing, wellbeing, community support and customer services.

Our aim is to develop the next generation of talent and future colleagues across Calico.

Our Values

At Calico, our people are our greatest strength. We are looking for people whose values align with ours and who are passionate about making a positive difference in our communities.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of adults, children and young people and expect all colleagues to share this commitment.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Ready To Start Building Your Future?

If you're looking for a qualification, practical experience, support from experienced professionals and the opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Calico and start building your future today.