The Sector Skills Council for the places where we live and work
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Jan 2011
Kirsty Prothero, 24, works for Peter Alan Estate Agents, which covers properties across South Wales.
She studied for a qualification in residential lettings, as part of the Asset Skills Cymru Qualifications for Property Professionals programme which was part funded by the Welsh Assembly Government's Step Up fund. Kirsty took the NFOPP (National Federation Of Property Professionals) Technical Award in Residential Lettings and Property Management.
This is the qualification of choice for the industry and equipped Kirsty with new skills in a number of areas including legislation, procedures and how to advise landlords and tenants.
"With the technical award you go at your own pace and fit it into your lifestyle and work schedule. There was one exam every five weeks so it was quite intense. I learned so much and am really glad I did the course. It's helped me feel so much more confident in my job."
Kirsty had no prior experience in residential lettings, having previously worked in a surveyors' department in an administrative role. She switched to property wanting a new challenge and was offered the NFOPP course six months into the job.
"There is a lot of legislation in lettings and you've certainly got to know your stuff. Most of the time landlords have no idea how much right a tenant has - some people go in to the role blindfolded. It feels good to be helping them work things out and letting them know what sorts of things they can be doing to ensure their rent is paid every month. I come across new things every day and find it challenging but also really enjoyable. Eventually I'd like to be involved in a more managerial role"
Kirsty did most of the learning in the evenings at home while continuing her day job. It was mainly online and study-based, with review exercises at the end of each session.
Kirsty now works on the new business side of the agency which includes helping new tenants find properties; giving them moving in dates; sorting out key collections etc.
