At a Glance
- Tasks: Support our community and team while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Shelter, a leading organisation fighting for housing rights and social justice.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, personal development budget, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible training and support tailored to your personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference using your lived experience to help others facing homelessness.
- Qualifications: Must have lived experience of homelessness or related disadvantages; basic IT skills required.
The predicted salary is between 24840 - 30360 £ per year.
Salary £27,212.50 per annum + £1,500 budget for personal and professional development.
Contract Type: Fixed Term (12-month fixed term contract)
Working Hours: 35
Location: Merseyside
Closing Date: 18/11/2026
Job Category: Equity and Inclusion
Region / Division: Shelter Directorate Equity, Inclusion and Culture
Job Introduction
The GROW Traineeship gives people with lived experience of homelessness and/or other related disadvantages access to paid employment, training and personal development opportunities. The traineeship lasts for up to 12 months, and each GROW receives personalised training and support to help remove some of the barriers that may have prevented them from getting meaningful employment. We are looking for people who are passionate about using their own experiences to help make change for people in the UK experiencing bad housing and homelessness.
About Shelter
A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time.
About The Role
You will be based at the Merseyside hub and will have the opportunity to work closely with a variety of teams to support people from many different backgrounds who access our services. As well as supporting the Merseyside Hub with administration, engagement and support, you will develop in your role and build knowledge of issues facing people engaging with our lived experience group. You will be given training, support, and supervision, and will have access to a flexible personal budget to help in your own personal and professional development.
About You
You’ll be a team player who is flexible, open to learning, and willing to ask for support when needed. You’ll have basic IT skills, such as using email and searching the internet, and be able to stay organised and manage your time well. Importantly, you’ll have lived experience of homelessness or other disadvantages and you’ll want to use your experience to make a positive difference. A strong belief in equality and a commitment to tackling discrimination are essential. This role is ring-fenced for those with lived experience of multiple disadvantage.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect.
GROW Trainee employer: SHELTER HOUSING AID AND RESEARCH PROJECT (LEICESTER)
Shelter is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a focus on meaningful impact in the Lancashire area, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training, and opportunities to collaborate with passionate colleagues dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those facing housing challenges.
Contact Details:
SHELTER HOUSING AID AND RESEARCH PROJECT (LEICESTER) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land GROW Trainee
✨Get Involved with Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local nonprofit events or volunteer opportunities. Not only will this give you hands-on experience, but you’ll also meet like-minded folks and potentially get inside info on internship openings or tips straight from the horse's mouth.
✨Leverage University Resources
Your university career services are gold for finding internships in the nonprofit sector. Check out any early-talent programmes they host—these are often tailored to connect students with local organisations looking for interns. Plus, your institution might have connections that aren't widely advertised.
✨Network Through Niche Platforms
Join online communities and forums dedicated to social impact projects. Platforms like Idealist or NonprofitAF are perfect for connecting with professionals in the field. Engaging in discussions or sharing your own insights can give your profile a boost and help you stand out when it comes to applying for internships.
✨Show Your Passion on a Personal Website
If you don’t already have one, create a simple personal website or blog to showcase your experiences and thoughts on social impact topics. Link this in your applications—it shows any potential organisations, including SHELTER HOUSING AID AND RESEARCH PROJECT (LEICESTER), that you're genuinely passionate about making a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace GROW Trainee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for the nonprofit sector shine through! Share any volunteer experiences or personal projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Let 'SHELTER HOUSING AID AND RESEARCH PROJECT (LEICESTER)' see that you’re genuinely excited about making a difference in the world.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to tailor your CV to reflect skills that are particularly valued in the nonprofit sector, such as communication, project management, and teamwork. Don't forget to include any coursework, workshops, or seminars that relate to the role, especially if they involve social justice or community engagement!
Craft a Meaningful Personal Statement:For internships in social impact projects, we like to see a personal statement that outlines not just what you've done, but why you care about these issues. Talk about the change you hope to make, and how an internship at 'SHELTER HOUSING AID AND RESEARCH PROJECT (LEICESTER)' aligns with your future aspirations.
Include Examples of Initiative:Internships are all about your potential to learn and grow! We recommend sharing specific examples where you've taken initiative, whether it's starting a campus club focused on social issues or organising community service. This shows that you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and contribute to the mission at 'SHELTER HOUSING AID AND RESEARCH PROJECT (LEICESTER)'.
How to prepare for a job interview at SHELTER HOUSING AID AND RESEARCH PROJECT (LEICESTER)
✨Show Your Passion for Social Impact
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for the nonprofit sector. Share any relevant volunteer experiences or projects you've been involved in to show that you're not just looking for any internship, but one where you can make a real difference.
✨Know the Key Issues and Tools
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and key issues that impact the nonprofit sector. Highlight any experience with data analysis tools like Excel or project management software that might help you contribute effectively to SHELTER HOUSING AID AND RESEARCH PROJECT (LEICESTER)’s mission.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that assess how you'd handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. Think about examples where you've had to work in a team, overcome obstacles, or manage limited resources – these are golden opportunities to showcase your critical thinking.
✨Emphasise Your Learning Curve
As it’s an internship, focus on your eagerness to learn and adapt. Discuss what skills or areas you’re looking to develop, and how you believe an internship at SHELTER HOUSING AID AND RESEARCH PROJECT (LEICESTER) could be a stepping stone to your career in social impact. This shows maturity and a willingness to grow.
