National Apprenticeship Week
February 9, 2021
It’s National Apprenticeship Week!
It’s National Apprenticeship Week and we couldn’t let the moment go by without shining a spotlight onto our current cohort of apprentices here at Richard Kendall Estate Agent!
We have been lucky enough to support lots of apprentices through the National Business College over the past 10 years, and we have enjoyed being a part of their journeys into the industry. Prior to that we had lots of interest from local schools with the work experience program. As a long established, local business we understand the importance of finding, encouraging and supporting young people getting in to the world of work. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement as it means our experienced staff can pass on valuable skills and knowledge, and our apprentices bring a passion to learn and progress, which keeps our business moving forward.
Claire Kendall, Partner, explains more about how importance the scheme is to the business, “The apprentice scheme is highly important to us as a business and also personally. Experience in any office environment whilst working towards achieving qualifications has to be one of the most advantageous routes that a young person can take in their first steps on their career path. We take pride in the experience we can give our apprentices in how our industry works, the daily routine of an office and whether they decide that estate agency is for them or not, it provides invaluable tools in their next steps of their adult lives.”
Keely Carleton, Operations Manager at The National Business College, Huddersfield also commented “(We) have been working in partnership with Richard Kendall Estate Agent for over 10 years to support the recruitment and training of entry level apprenticeship roles within the organisation. NBC have always been impressed with the way that the company work with young people to nurture them and provide opportunities for development within the organisation. The apprentices are provided with the support and guidance needed to successfully achieve, with the vast majority moving on to permanent roles within the business.”
Our three current apprentices are spread across both the sales and rentals parts of our business and they are each experiencing and learning different parts of our trade. Ben Walker works in an admin role at our Wakefield office, and has just started working towards a Level 2 Junior Estate Agent apprenticeship, after completing a qualification in business administration, “(I) want to expand my knowledge in the industry and gain a better understanding as I have future ambitions here. I’m not 100% sure what job role I am most interested in, but I’m sure this apprenticeship will help me decipher.”
Ben has some advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship in future, “Be prepared to learn, to challenge yourself and not worry about asking questions”, he continues, “Asking questions to colleagues especially is one way how I’ve gained a better understanding of the industry and business in general”.
Ryan Brisby, Apprentice Lettings Negotiator in Horbury office, said “I’m working for a level 2 customer service qualification. (I’ve) always been interested in working in estate agency as it’s not your typical office job, you are bound to experience new things every day and the freedom to get away from my desk and engage with landlords or tenants at a property.” What’s really great to hear is that Ryan plans on continuing working his way up in the Estate Agency business following his apprenticeship. He also stated, “I am interested in doing ARLA qualifications.” Ryan’s advice to future apprentices is “Do it! It’s a great way to learn new skills and put some extra experience on your CV.”
Beth Westmoreland is also working towards her NVQ in our lettings department. She’s over half way through her 12 month apprenticeship. She said, “My colleagues and managers are all very supportive, they’re always happy to help me and will always guide me in the right direction. When it comes to completing my assignments my manager always allows me time out from my work to ensure I can complete my assignments to the highest standard.” Her tip is “to always take every opportunity given to you, these opportunities can open more doors for you in the future.”
We very much look forward to seeing our apprentices achieve their latest goals and wish them all the very best in their future careers in the industry, and hopefully with Richard Kendall Estate Agent!
National Apprenticeships Week runs from 8th – 14th February 2021, to find out more about the National Business College visit https://nationalbusinesscollege.co.uk/.
To find out more about our Apprentices, or to enquire about a free market appraisal for sales or rentals please call any of our 6 branches located throughout the Wakefield district, or visit www.richardkendall.co.uk/book-a-valuation
