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Traditionally, housing organisations have insisted on experience and qualifications. However, skills shortages have caused the sector to review its approach.

There is now a much greater focus on aptitude and ability, so anyone wishing to join the sector has a wider range of options.

Job advertisements are the traditional method for identifying positions. Trade magazines have extensive recruitment sections and the public sector page in Wednesday's Guardian is usually well subscribed.

Most periodicals and organisations have websites that advertise jobs. Finding the right one can be tricky: sector-specific sites such as www.brightfutures.uk.com and www.jobsgopublic.com are a good start.

If you are coming from full-time education, a number of careers bodies can provide work experience and mentoring within the sector. Education Business Partnerships (www.nepbn.org), the Trident Trust (www.thetridenttrust.org.uk) and the Careers Research Advisory Council (www.crac.org.uk/indsoc.youth) have individual relationships with a number of associations and can provide an "in".

In-house trainee schemes are very common, but demand is high, particularly in London

Careers fairs are becoming increasingly popular showcases for housing organisations. Attendance at such events also means they are on the lookout for new talent. Forum 3 (www.forum3.co.uk) is the biggest fair: more than 14,000 people attended this year.

Volunteering is a good way to pick up direct experience. Major charities such as Crisis, Shelter and St Mungo's have details on their websites.

In-house trainee schemes are very common, but demand is high, particularly in London. Although cold calling can be a lot of effort for little reward, a properly targeted letter to the human resources department of a relevant organisation can work.

However, identifying these organisations can be tricky. Research is vital: the National Housing Federation is a good starting point, as is the Housing Corporation website. Those looking for traineeships are more likely to find them with big organisations. If you are from a black or minority-ethnic background, the Positive Action for Training in Housing scheme offers an alternative route.