Scholarships to join the $61bn real estate industry

Scholarships to join the $61bn real estate industry

New Zealand’s largest real estate group Harcourts is offering full scholarships to New Zealanders wishing to join the real estate industry, which achieved $61bn in residential, rural and lifestyle sales last year.

Today is the launch of the fourth intake into the New Zealand Real Estate Scholarship Programme, which represents an investment of more than $1 million into the creation of new jobs by Harcourts.

The programme is part of Harcourts’ drive to open up opportunities for people wanting to make the move into a real estate career, while continuing to earn a salary.

This year Harcourts’ business owners across the country are offering in excess of 20 placements to people who have never sold real estate before and are wanting to make the jump.

Recipients receive a base salary as well as fully subsidised training enabling them to earn their national certificate and licence in real estate. They are also mentored closely by the best in the business and are provided with all the marketing materials and support they need to start their real estate career.

Harcourts Chief Executive Officer Chris Kennedy says the programme enables people from a variety of backgrounds and careers to pursue their dream into a real estate career.

“Real estate is an exciting industry to be in. People with drive and ability will succeed given the opportunity, and we want to make that happen. We give them the best tools and support available, and the scholarship programme has proven to be highly successful. Many of our previous scholars have carved out incredible careers for themselves.”

One such person is Alyce Rowe.

Alyce, 27, started with Harcourts in 2012 in the first intake of the New Zealand Real Estate Scholarship. After just three years Alyce became Harcourts’ youngest business owner, starting up the Pauanui branch.

“I had never considered real estate but the scholarship put the idea in my head. Having the retainer so you can earn while you learn is really key to being able to succeed.

“It also allowed me to go in to the franchise and spend time working in all aspects of it – from administration and property to management to sales – so I had a really thorough understanding of the business.

“It meant I could see a career path for myself. That background and the support I had from the scholarship has helped me, three years on, into owning my own Harcourts office.”

The New Zealand Real Estate Scholarship Programme is for a period of 12 months and is available to anyone new to selling real estate. It includes:

• A competitive remuneration package

• National Certificate in Real Estate - Salesperson (all course expenses paid)

• REAA Real Estate Salesperson's License - 1st Year (all course expenses paid)

• Ongoing Harcourts Academy training

• $1,000 investment towards a personal profile and marketing collateral

• Access to New Zealand's leading real estate technology platform - Harcourts One

• Attendance to New Zealand's largest real estate conference in 2015 - the Harcourts New Zealand Conference

Harcourts welcomes applicants from all walks of life. They must be over the age of 18 and have New Zealand residency or a valid New Zealand work permit.

Applications are open until the 30th of June. Visit www.opennewdoors.co.nz for more information.

ENDS

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