The Bloom Apprenticeship Academy for estate and letting Agents, which launched this week, aims to help at least 100 young people to train as well-qualified estate and lettings agents via a six-month apprenticeship which is mainly government-funded.
A further three academies are due to open in 2011.
Apprentices are trained using a combination of classroom-based learning and practical experience with their employing estate or letting agency.
Successful students receive NFoPP (National Federation of Property Professional) Technical Award and Level 3 NVQ (Diploma), along with their practical experience.
“Rightmove’s involvement is very hands-on, and fits perfectly with our aim to produce the next generation of agents who are not only technically competent, but who also understand the business of agency and the dedicated systems of the industry,” said Bloom’s managing director, Greg Morrall.
“For example, a Bloom Apprentice will have a good understanding of how to harness the benefits of RightmovePlus which will add real value to their sponsoring employer.”
Miles Shipside, Rightmove’s commercial director, said: “We are delighted to be involved in Bloom and will be sending Rightmove trainers to the Bloom Academies to deliver practical training.
“Importantly, we’ll also be teaching the apprentices about trends in how the public uses the internet and mobile technology when buying or selling a property.
“Until Bloom’s entry into the property training arena, there had been no facility specifically aimed at young people wishing to join the industry.
“Through Bloom, they can now do so using a well-designed and systematic approach, which provides them with the best academic and vocationally practical qualifications on offer.
“This can only be a good thing for standards in our industry as a whole.”
