- The Able Agent: “A huge industry demand for apprentices, but a massive problem finding the right ones”
- A deep dive into the lives of two estate agent apprentices…
Finding the right apprentice and keeping them is the key to success, according to Charlotte Jeffrey-Campbell, co-founder and director of The Able Agent – the online property training and qualifications provider. Charlotte explains:
“In the world of estate agency, we are currently witnessing a huge demand for apprentices, many agents are succession planning, and looking to ‘grow their own’ fresh and motivated staff. However, we are also seeing real problems for agents when it comes to finding (and retaining) the right ones. There is a clearly a shortage in supply of good quality apprentices today.
“In order to support the sector in countering the well-debated recruitment and retention crisis, The Able Agent launched an apprenticeship programme in 2022. Spotting a gap in training access, with no estate agency currently offering Level 3 qualifications. The company partnered with ITEC NE, a leading training provider in the North-East of England that specialises in digital training and apprenticeships, to solve the issue.
“Four months on, and our first cohort of 15 apprentices are going through the training. The course (and the apprentices), continue to go from strength-to-strength.”
Here two apprentices give an overview of their lives working in the world of estate agency for National Apprenticeship week:
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Madison Browne, starting her property career with MP Estates in Essex
Madison, 18 years old, is currently training to become a lettings negotiator working at MP Estates in Essex. She started her apprenticeship in September 2022. Her week is a combination of office duties, coupled with study time.
She comments: “My main focus with the training is to gain knowledge and understanding of the job. I used the Able Agent platform to review the countless courses, or to log on to watch a video to refresh my brain on certain areas, for example the lettings side of estate agency. They even have mini mock assessments which you can complete to keep track of your progress.
“The course has taught me so much, and it’s rewarding to have such positive feedback from clients and colleagues. I can really see I am adding value and making a difference, and driving my career forward.”
Madison would like to stay in the business after her apprenticeship and continue to grow her career in the property industry.
Commenting on Madison and the apprentice programme, Denise Bunn at MP Estates, said:
“I have been impressed with Madison, her knowledge and how easily she connects her task to her working environment with M&P Estates. I believe this course will be both useful to Madison in her current role with us and her future employment.”
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Aldo Bernardi is getting to grips with the industry working at Cooke & Co in Whitley Bay
Aldo, 24 years old, started her apprenticeship in October 22 and his work includes Sales and lettings apprentice He comments:
“The monthly structure of the Able Agent programme and the resources and support has given me a really solid grounding, which is really invaluable when starting a role in such a dynamic work environment. I love referring back to their Glossary of Terms as a way to refresh my mind on certain topics.”
Claire Steel, office manager at Cooke & Co, said: “Aldo has settled into his role very well and is taking guidance from his colleagues and his learning, and property qualification and building up his confidence and ability in the workplace.”
During National Apprenticeship Week, The Able Agent is hosting it’s second webinar to help agents recruit their next apprentice.
16th Feb at 9.30
The company has also launched a free Apprenticeship Recruitment Toolkit: Get your Free Apprenticeship Recruitment Toolkit for Estate and Letting Agencies – The Able Agent®