NAEA and Rightmove behind new course

College students will have the chance to undertake a new property profession course backed by the NAEA this autumn.

The BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Business with Property Services is being launched in partnership with Arnolds Keys and Rightmove, with the support of the National Association of Estate Agents and the Association of Residential Letting Agents.

The new course, the first of its kind in the country, is being staged at City College in Norwich a one year full-time training for 16 to 18 year olds, providing students with a grounding in business whilst learning about all aspects of the property profession.

A key element of the course will include NFoPP Awarding Body Qualifications, either within Sale of Residential Property or Residential Letting and Property Management, in order for students to gain the relevant sector knowledge within their chosen discipline.

All NFoPP Awarding Body Qualifications are nationally recognised, sit within the QCF register and are regulated by OFQUAL.

Students will also have the option to extend their learning by progressing on to a second year to gain additional modules in business and sit, if appropriate, further NFoPP Awarding Body Level 3 Technical Awards in their chosen subject area.

Part of the course will encompass work placements within agents and other property businesses, giving students practical experience of how the property sector works and of the many job roles available within it - from working in private and commercial estate agents, to property surveying, architectural design, lettings and valuing and auctioneering.

The College will also be offering part-time courses for those already working in the property profession. These include a new evening course, starting in September, which will enable new recruits to the sector - aged 19 and over - to sit NFoPP Awarding Body Residential Sales and NFoPP Awarding Body Residential Lettings qualifications.