The Institute of Estate Agents, Western Cape announces plans to roll out a real estate training programme for township-based agents.
Real estate training programme
Western Cape regional manager for the Institute of Estate Agents Annette Evans recently announced that the branch is working on a training programme specifically geared towards estate agents in Cape Town’s townships. Namely Khayelitsha, Gugulethu and Langa. This comes after the Estate Agency Affairs Board’s (EEAB) recent launch announcement for the ‘One Learner – One Agency’ programme. The training programme is set to fast-track the transformation of the property sector with an aim of getting 10 000 new entrants into the industry over a three-year period.
“This may be somewhat ambitious,” says Evans. “However, those who have a tertiary education will be able to apply for exemption from the qualification and will only have to do the 12-month internship with the EAAB. Support from real estate agencies is crucial in ensuring that this worthy initiative succeeds, as these learners need to be taken in by agencies in order to provide the required mentorship and resulting workplace learning.”
Industry and governmental support
The Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SSETA) has pledged its financial support, in principle, while a steering committee is currently planning the project. It consists of delegates from the EAAB, SSETA, the Department of Human Settlements, the National Skills Authority and the Department of Labour.
The Institute supports this initiative and wants to assist property professionals by holding information sessions and talks in Khayelitsha, Gugulethu and Langa. Further details will be announced at a later stage, says Evans.
“Our aim is to offer better support to the property professionals in the areas where it is needed and to provide a programme of skills enhancement, motivation, property induction and introduction to those not yet selling property. Through this initiative, we will, in turn, assist in protecting the public who might up until now have been dealing with unregistered agents, and who will then be able to deal with members of Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa (IEASA) instead.”
Some background on Institute of Estate Agents
IEASA is a non-profit organisation and requires the support of all agents in the area in order to work together, says Evans. “Sponsorship from local businesses is much needed and would be very welcome, and in return we would offer exposure,” says Evans.
Anyone interested in participating in the training programme should email Janine Kilian at janine@cape.ieasa.org.za.
