Why a property management apprenticeship was the best decision I’ve made

Our apprentice, Imogen Trevett, gives a round-up of her first year working at Clarity Property Management.

Imogen joined us as an apprentice in October 2020. It is Imogen’s first job since leaving college. So, after 12 months in the job, we wanted to find out how Imogen has been getting along.

We grilled her, and this is what she said!

What’s it like working at Clarity?

I really enjoy my job. Every day is different, and we are always busy, so there’s no time to be bored! The team have been super-friendly. This has helped me enormously, not only to develop my skills but also to grow my confidence. I honestly couldn’t ask to be working with nicer people.

What do you do?

I do so many different things! I work alongside our Property Manager, Tracy Adams, helping with all aspects of repairs and maintenance. My job is to instruct contractors to fix problems in the properties we manage and ensure all tenants’ queries are dealt with. Of course, this means I spend a lot of time on the phone and sending emails. I arrange all the safety certificates required for rental properties. I also deal with the utility billing for void periods in the properties (this is the period between tenants when the property is empty). Plus, there’s lots more that I do. I’m generally on hand to help with anything that comes up on a day-to-day basis, and I’m usually first to answer the phone (always eager to help – that’s me!).

What is your apprenticeship?

I am completing a Level 3 apprenticeship in Housing Property Management with the Apprentice Academy.

When I have finished the apprenticeship (which should be early next year) I will then be able to register as a member of The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).

What have you learnt in your first year?

I have learnt so much already, from health and safety issues in housing to risk assessments, fitness standards and repair, tenancy terms and all sorts of legislation around leases, tenancy agreements and property management. I am still learning new things every day, which is why I love this job.

How does the apprenticeship course work relate to your job role?

I think this is one of the great things about Apprenticeships compared to other study (like GCSEs and A-Levels) – I get to learn the theory and put it into practice, or at least see how it relates to the real world. It feels like I am learning very practical skills that will help me on my career path.

A good example is learning about the safety aspects landlords have to comply with. At work, I deal with the safety certificates required for gas and electricity in all lettings. It is great to have a wider understanding of why we need to do this.

What do you hope to achieve in your next year at Clarity?

I am really looking forward to finishing my Apprenticeship, which I feel will be a great achievement. I am also learning to drive and hopefully will be able to pass my test soon and that will enable me to support the team and go out to properties.

I am also keen to continue to study and will be starting the Level 3 Residential Letting & Property Management qualification with Property Mark Qualifications.

I would love to continue to take on more responsibility in my role and keep learning.

What are your favourite things about your job?

I love being part of a team and most of all I enjoy the variety of tasks in my job role. The fact that no two days are the same is great. My mum says I never complain about going to work, like I did going to school!

Would you recommend an Apprenticeship to anyone else?

I absolutely would, doing an Apprenticeship is really fulfilling and you will learn so much.