The Building Futures Group, (previously Asset Skills, CSSA and FMA), already a key training provider for the property and housing sector, works in consultation with employers to offer a successful property apprenticeships scheme designed to provide employers in the property market with
a reliable, qualified workforce and their future management.

At a time when school and university fees are at an all time high in the UK, the coalition government has been pushing apprenticeships. Business Secretary Vince Cable says that government is committing the biggest ever investment in apprenticeships and is on track to create two million apprenticeships over the course of the current parliament.

WHY OFFER APPRENTICESHIPS?

Apprentices offer real value to a firm. University is not for everyone and an apprenticeship allows a firm to build a new employee from the ground up. In February 2011, a survey of 500 companies gave the clear response that employers prefer apprentices to graduates. Apprenticeship schemes can also help build company loyalty through a programme of development, and the employer reaps the rewards through long-term involvement and retention of staff.

The apprenticeship scheme for property enables ambitious youngsters to progress from craft level to estate agent or even senior manager status. It not only provides an appealing alternative to the higher education path but also, enables employers to handpick at entry level the most talented and ambitious individuals the property industry has to offer. This stepping stone approach achieves the high level of skills, education and experience at every level of employment, with employees investing themselves in the future of the company.

INCENTIVES AND BENEFITS

Endorsed and supported by City & Guilds, ABBE and NFoPP (National Federation
of Property Professionals), the scheme benefits from government incentives of up to £1,500 per apprentice for employers new to apprenticeship schemes. In addition, training costs are fully funded for 16 to 18-year-olds. The longer-term net benefits of taking on an apprentice have been shown to be worth more than £100,000, with cost recovery possible as early as the second year.

During National Apprenticeship Week, impressive examples of successful apprenticeships were showcased, highlighting the vital role that apprenticeships play in the UK economy. During this week, over 20,000 apprenticeships were pledged and 47 per cent of employers attending and committing were SMEs. Matthew Hancock, Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise, reported that entry to apprenticeship is the new norm, with 20,432 new positions being created, and that the new traineeships will be crucial to unlocking potential.

FRAMEWORKS AND OPTIONS

The Building Futures Group, which developed the apprenticeship in conjunction with employers, offer an apprenticeship framework with two pathways – sale of residential property and residential property letting and management, encompassed under the title‘PropertyServices.’

The intermediate level concentrates on competency and knowledge, i.e. customer service and functional skills, such as English, maths and IT. Progressing to NFoPP advanced level, sale of residential property focuses on property appraisal, building defects, law, health and safety and security in relation to the sale of residential property. Residential property letting and management concentrates on law, health and safety, security, residential property letting practice, legal aspects of lettings and management.

CASE HISTORY

A real success story is Charlotte Cooper from Nuneaton, who decided against college and university and chose a vocational path into estate agency. From the outset, she was advised to seek a professional qualification and the apprenticeship in property, developed by Asset Skills in consultation with employers, seemed the obvious choice.

She secured a place with the Bloom Apprenticeship Academy for Estate and Letting Agents in Birmingham. The intensive course blended formal learning at a training centre with assessment at her place of work at Alan Cooper Estates. Apprentices take rigorous exams in every aspect of estate agency, culminating in the highly regarded NFoPP technical award in the sale of residential property and an ABBE NVQ level 3 diploma demonstrating vocational competency.
After completing the programme, Charlotte was then accepted as an associate member of the Guild of Professional Estate Agents (GPEA) and a member of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), with its prestigious licensed membership status – big achievements for one so young.

But the best part came when Charlotte became the UK Young Estate Agent of the Year 2011 at the Property Professional Show Awards. She was also a finalist in the category of Sales Negotiator of the Year in the Property Awards for Women 2011 held at Wembley Stadium.

GET INVOLVED

Business needs good people and employers have to work hard to get them. Learning on the job suits a lot of people and,with a structured training/work programme, both employer and apprentice can benefit equally from the arrangement.

To secure tomorrow’s managers today and to benefit from the Government’s £1,500 cashback incentive, visit www.thebuildingfuturesgroup.com.