Estate agent apprentice academy takes shape for launch

The new apprenticeship academy for trainee estate and letting agents has come a step nearer to launch this autumn.

The Bloom Academy has appointed a software provider, VTUK, to provide all the software in the ‘virtual reality’ agency where studying will take place in Birmingham. The virtual agency will have a layout and equipment mirroring that of a real-world agency. The programs used will be Aquarius and Gemini.

The Academy is set to open its doors in October and aims to train at least 100 agents under the Government-funded apprenticeship scheme – a scheme which has escaped budgetary cuts.

Each apprentice will receive six months’ training, which will be a combination of class-based learning and work placements within their supporting agency. The agency will pay each apprentice £95 per week, and after completion of the course students will be fully qualified, having achieved the NFoPP Technical Award and Level 3 NVQ.

Greg Morrall, director of Bloom, said: “We are delighted to have VTUK on board as our technology partner and see their software and support playing a vital role as we aim to deliver the next generation of estate and letting agents.”
 
Peter Grant, managing director of VTUK, said: “I am passionate about improving standards in our industry and commend Greg and his team for what they are seeking to achieve at Bloom.
 
“Ensuring new entrants to our sector start their career with a clear understanding of the responsibilities they have to clients, and a detailed knowledge of the industry’s legislative framework, is vital to improving standards and the public perception of our industry.”