Free Techical Award training offer to agents

A recruitment company is offering free training to both estate agents and letting agents, including NVQs and Technical Awards.

Carson Kay Resources director Jason Van Hee said there were absolutely no catches – although participants would have to undergo an NVQ before taking a Technical Award.

He said: “We are doing this because our industry is becoming increasingly regulated and our clients are increasingly asking for ARLA qualified staff.

“Because of this, Carson Kay has been looking at ways to tap into existing government-funded schemes to access a training programme that might incorporate the Technical Award in both Lettings and Sales.

“We can now offer our new and existing clients the opportunity to take advantage of this fully funded programme at no cost. This means that potentially, all your staff can undertake the NFOPP Technical Award for free – although this is subject to them participating on our government-funded training programme.

“While bigger firms might have the resources to initiate training programmes internally and to self-fund their training, the vast majority of estate agents don’t have the time or resources. But the need for training is now critical and we therefore anticipate significant uptake. Training and recruitment sit very comfortably together in a market where the client is much more demanding.”

He said Carson Kay have formed a partnership with a national training provider to deliver the training programmes through the government-funded Train-to-Gain initiative.

Van Hee said: “Government funding is geared towards the NVQ element of the programme as the Technical Award does not attract funding. Most candidates will therefore participate in Customer Services NVQ Level 2 or 3, before going on to achieve their Technical Award.

“We are funding the Technical Award ourselves, from our own profits.”

The NVQ element depends on the collection of work-based evidence. Assessors therefore need to visit candidates in the workplace to assess them on the job.

The Technical Award requires candidates to set aside time for home study. “We provide all the course materials so there is no reason why it can’t be achieved in around four months,” said Van Hee.

“The programme is available now. We are already signing up participants. The recession is always a good time to be investing in your best staff.”

www.carsonkay.com