New learning for residential block managers

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Asset Skills responds to demand for the Open Learning Course

Jun 2009

The technical reference book "Residential Block & Estate Management Introductory Open Learning Course" (OLC) is now available online to meet demand and ensure flexible delivery.

The course presents an opportunity for practitioners new to the field of residential block management to acquire the basic skills and essential knowledge necessary to help them perform effectively in the role.

The open learning is aimed at people beginning careers in property services and who want to specialise in residential block management. It is also for experienced professionals in other areas (eg, lettings, agency, etc) who might be looking to widen their knowledge.

The course is also used by experienced practitioners as an easy technical reference for some of the complex problems which arise.

Growing demand

The demand for block managers has grown steadily over the years due to the growth in high density developments and the increasingly complex legal framework of leasehold management.

It has remained constant in the face of economic uncertainty and the recession has increased interest in block management careers.

"Before the downturn employers reported a real shortage of skilled residential block managers," said Liz Black, Property Specialist for Asset Skills.

"Now there are plenty of people wanting to retrain for the job and we need to raise awareness of this training programme and make it more widely available to meet this demand."

The course content is published by a partnership comprising:

• Asset Skills
• The Association of Retirement Housing Managers (ARHM)
• The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA)
• The Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA)
• The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)
• The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA)
• The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

To access the course please visit the Residential Estate and Block Management section of the website.

The OLC also provides the underpinning knowledge for the Part I exam provided by the Institute of Residential Property Management. Successful students gain a portable professional qualification specifically designed for residential block managers in the private sector.

Employer testimonies

Wale Oladunjoye, Senior Property Manager, Ringleys Chartered Surveyors

"I personally found that the OLC was sufficiently technical for me to rely on it solely when preparing for my IRPM Part II exam (which I passed).  Our property officers use it regularly, most recently on a DDA related query, and on the third stage of the Sec. 20 procedure."

Karen Combellack, MIRPM, SCM Department Manager, Curry & Partners

"I can not think of a better profession to be in," says Karen Combellack, Property Manager at Chartered Surveyors Curry & Partners. "Through the many learning opportunities there are extremely good career prospects.

Karen's first job was as a secretary but she left to raise her family. On her return years later she decided to retrain in Property Management through the Open Learning Course (OLC) in Residential Block Management.

The OLC in Block Management offered a flexible training programme that suited her responsibilities. It is designed to equip people already working in property with the skills to manage large residential blocks.

As well as the flexibility offered, the course also kept Karen updated with current legislation and provided a professional qualification in a field where none had previously existed.

"There were no time constraints and I was able to study at home," she says.

The OLC continues to feature regularly in her day to day work as a great reference tool for technical problems. Curry & Partners supply a copy of the OLC manual to all their staff.

"My company provides a copy of the OLC to all our employees as it is a great reference source for technical problems which arise and it helps our study group to identify their strengths and weaknesses initially which in turn enables us to assess their needs and plan accordingly."

"There is nothing more satisfying than being interested enough in your job to want to progress for your own benefit. The course allows you to gain the important letters after your name together with guaranteed career progression.

"As with all professions the work can be demanding but the rewards are great for those willing to learn, develop and take on responsibility."