Recruitment, retention, and high staff training costs are just some of the employment issues faced by property and auctioneering businesses today – coupled with being one of the busiest markets in the country.
All around Ireland however, property agents and auctioneers have found a solution to these issues - hiring an apprentice.
Per Sandra Harvey-Graham, National Programme manager at CDETB, the Auctioneering and Property Services Apprenticeship is a nationwide two-year, work-based learning programme for people seeking careers in auctioneering, estate agency, property management and property letting. The Auctioneering and Property Services Apprenticeship is an ‘earn-and-learn programme’, combining on-the-job training with academic study.
Fast-tracked PRSA licence
For Niall Cuddy of Power Property Group with offices in Galway, Limerick and Athlone, a big positive of hiring apprentices is the fast-tracked route for employees to gain the PRSA licence in all four categories.
“We’ve been involved in the apprenticeship programme since 2020, with three team members of Power Property currently undertaking the Auctioneering Apprenticeship programme. The course has been a hugely positive experience for our team members which in turn improves our company’s services. A key benefit of the programme being that the apprenticeship offers a fast-track route for employees to gain their PSRA licence.”
Build a loyal team
Katie McGarvey, head of Compliance at DNG Group has participated in the Auctioneering and Property Services Apprenticeship since 2019 and recommends the programme for other employers in the industry.
McGarvey said: “We have had a very positive experience participating in the Auctioneering and Property Services Apprenticeship to date. Having an apprentice has meant we have filled urgent gaps in our staffing, cutting down on lengthy recruitment processes. The side-by-side learning experience for the apprentice lends itself well to the property and auctioneering industries, and means that – after the two years – our apprentice is a high-value, fully qualified member of the team.
Echoing McGarvey was Michael Downey of ERA Downey McCarthy in Cork, who said “hiring apprentices is a cost-effective way for us to recruit a highly talented and loyal team.”
Financial incentive for employers
In recent weeks, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science announced an extension of the financial incentive for employers who take on apprentices. Until the end of the year employers can avail of a government package that offers a €2,000 payment to take on an apprentice, and a further €1,000 in the second apprenticeship year.
Designed in collaboration with the property industry
The programme is coordinated by City of Dublin Education and Training Board and delivered through Ballsbridge College, Cork College of Commerce and Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board. The programme is designed in close collaboration with the property services industry, which ensures it meets the needs of the sector both now, and into the future.
In a recent survey of employers who have been involved in the programme to date, 93 per cent of employers would participate in the apprenticeship again, while 96 per cent said the apprenticeship achieved the outcomes they anticipated for their organisation.
Last year, 86 apprentices were hired by auctioneering and property services companies through the apprenticeship – with a regional spread around the country. In the first six months of 2021, up to 88 apprentices have been recruited, signalling much higher demand from the industry than in previous years.
Employers considering taking on an apprentice are encouraged to get in touch: https://auctioneeringapprenticeship.ie/get-in-touch/
About the Auctioneering and Property Services Apprenticeship
The Auctioneering and Property Services Apprenticeship, launched in September 2018, is a new pathway to a career in auctioneering, estate agency, property management and property letting, where apprentices are mentored by industry through a two-year, work-based learning programme. Learning takes place in the company on a two-year fixed term employment contract. Apprentices work four days a week and study one day a week in the academic year with a local college.
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