Apprentice Testimonial – Case Study

1. Where did you do the Apprenticeship Programme (i.e. which employer and college location)?
   I completed the work element of the Apprenticeship Programme through Hunters Estate Agent and the academic part through Ballsbridge College of Further Education.    I am still employed with Hunters.

2. Were you always interested in getting into this line of work?
   I have a background in marketing and PR but have always had an interest in property.  I started working in an estate agency business, liked the industry and decided I wanted to be involved in sales negotiation.  To do this, I needed to be licensed through the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA).

3. How did you come across the Apprenticeship Programme?
   I contacted the PSRA to enquire about applying for a licence.  The PRSA told me about the new Apprenticeship Programme that was being developed though QQI, the colleges and industry.  I subsequently applied to participate on the programme and was accepted.

4. What skills did you learn?
   I developed a huge number of new skills, both through the practical element of the programme and through the academic component.  In work I learnt the complete set of skills required to drive the sales process from dealing with an initial client enquiry, right through to completing the sale of a property.  In college we covered subjects including economics, valuations, law, agency skills, building construction and sales & marketing.

5. How has the programme benefitted you?
   It has given me the required practical and academic knowledge to work professionally in the property services sector.  As a result of participating on the two-year programme, I have  attained a recognised level of expertise that makes me eligible to apply for a PSRA licence.  Being a licence holder will open up many future opportunities for me as a Property Services Provider (PSP).
6. What are you doing now/plans for the future?
   Once I apply for and receive my licence, I will be a sales negotiator within Hunters Estate Agent.  I intend to gain further experience in the company taking a more active role in sales negotiation.

Name: Finuala Byrne

Date: 30^th July 2020