Blog, Facilities Management, RFM Viewpoint

Apprentices: The Future Property Heroes

We are really proud of the contribution that apprentices have brought to RFM Group over the years.

In fact, we go as far as to say they are real property heroes.

Growing Your Workforce

Apprenticeships are a vital component in the growth of any business, and the property industry is no exception. As the property sector continues to grow and evolve, the need for skilled professionals has become more pronounced.

Benefits of Apprentices

Apprenticeships provide an excellent way for businesses to meet this demand and reap a number of benefits along the way.

  1. Fresh Talent: One of the biggest advantages of having apprentices in your business is that they bring fresh talent and new ideas. Apprentices are often eager to learn and bring with them a youthful energy that can be invigorating for a business. They bring fresh perspectives and can offer new ideas on how to tackle challenges in the workplace.

  2. Cost Effective: Hiring apprentices can be a cost-effective way of adding new talent to your business. Initially, apprentices are paid a lower wage than full-time employees, as they are still learning. Their training is also subsidised by the UK government. This makes them a valuable addition to any business, as they bring new skills to the table at a fraction of the cost.

  3. Tailored Training: One of the key benefits of apprenticeships is that the training is tailored specifically to your business needs. This means that you can invest in the development of individuals who are specifically suited to your business and who will have the skills that you need in the future. As they progress through their apprenticeship, you can also provide them with additional training to further develop their skills.

  4. Long-Term Investment: Investing in apprentices is a long-term investment in the future of your business. By investing in their training and development, you are creating a pool of skilled professionals who can take your business to new heights. Many apprentices go on to become full-time employees, and their skills and knowledge will benefit your business for years to come.

  5. Boosts Morale: Having apprentices in your business can also boost morale among your existing staff. By providing opportunities for professional development, you are demonstrating your commitment to your employees and their future. This can create a positive working environment and can lead to increased productivity and employee satisfaction.

Apprenticeships offer a number of benefits for growing property businesses. By providing an opportunity for businesses to invest in new talent and skills, apprenticeships can help to drive growth and secure the future of the business. With the right support and investment, apprentices can become valuable assets to any business and play a crucial role in its success.

Josh finance hero

PROFILE: Finance Apprentice to Chartered Accountant and Beyond

Josh, Finance Administrator

Josh’s Journey in the Property Management World: A Success Story of RFM’s Finance Apprentice

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for young individuals to gain real-world experience in their desired field, and RFM’s finance apprentice Josh is a prime example of this. Josh recently finished his finance apprenticeship at RFM and has now taken on the role of a Finance Administrator.

Josh was drawn to the property management world after a period of unemployment. RFM was impressed with his attitude and thirst for knowledge. He found RFM to be very welcoming and supportive, both with his apprenticeship and day-to-day work. The learning process was quite frictionless, and he credits this to the help and support of the finance department.

One of the most challenging projects that Josh worked on was setting up a new partner company on accounting software. This task took the knowledge he gained from his apprenticeship to the maximum and tested his skills in a real-life situation. Despite the difficulties, he found it rewarding to see how his coursework was put into practice.

Another interesting project that Josh worked on was collecting data from the accounting systems and creating a project costing document. This project gave him a wider understanding of his job role and how it fits into the functioning of the company.

Josh’s long-term career goal is to become a chartered accountant, and he sees himself working in the property sector. He plans to achieve this by continuing to do further accounting courses with RFM, starting with the next level.

For those considering an apprenticeship, Josh’s advice is to “take full advantage of the off-the-job learning hours. This will give you the opportunity to expand your knowledge and gain valuable experience in your desired field.”

 Josh’s journey at RFM is a testament to the positive impact that apprenticeships can have on young individuals’ careers. With the right support and investment, apprentices can become valuable assets to any business and play a crucial role in its success.

Apprenticeships

PROFILE: Property Projects Primo

Dan, Project Coordinator

Dan’s career in the property management industry is a testament to the value of apprenticeships. Currently working as a Project Coordinator at RFM, Dan’s role involves managing client expectations and acting as a point of contact for tenants to repair their properties. In an interview, Dan discussed his experience at RFM, his journey so far, and his advice for aspiring apprentices.

When asked about what drew him to the property management industry, Dan cited his experience at RFM as being enjoyable and welcoming. He spoke highly of the company’s culture of offering new opportunities and learning experiences, which have helped him develop his skills.

Dan’s learning process has been a combination of on-the-job experience and apprenticeship/college learning. He has worked on several challenging projects, including programmed works within Habinteg, where he dealt with technical issues while on site. Despite the challenges, he found the project to be very interesting, with varied work that kept things fresh.

In terms of long-term career goals, Dan hopes to move into a role with more responsibility and accountability in an operational field. While he hasn’t laid out a concrete plan for achieving this goal, he is committed to continuing his professional development and expanding his skill set.

For those considering an apprenticeship, Dan recommends on-the-job learning, “which provides the opportunity to gain real-world experience while also earning a wage. I believe that this approach can be incredibly valuable in helping apprentices develop their skills and prepare for long-term success.”

Dan’s career at RFM serves as a shining example of the positive impact of investing in and supporting the development of apprentices, businesses like RFM can help to nurture the next generation of talented professionals in the property management industry.

Apprenticeships

PROFILE: Administrator and Organiser

Madison, HR Apprentice

Meet Madison, a young HR administrative apprentice at RFM Group, a leading property management company. As an apprentice, Madison’s role is to support the HR team in providing a streamlined service to the business, which includes providing administrative support and updating HR files. She has also created a training matrix for everyone within the company, which helps to ensure that employees receive the necessary training they need to excel in their roles.

Madison was drawn to the property management world because she was struggling to find something she would enjoy that had structure. RFM Group gave her the opportunity to work with them as an HR Administrative Apprentice, and she has been enjoying her experience at the company. The learning process has been challenging at times, but there are always people to help her when she needs it.

Madison has worked on several projects during her time at RFM Group, including the SIA Security Audit, which was the most challenging project for her. However, she gained a lot of knowledge from it, such as requesting and chasing reference requests. The most interesting project for Madison was working on Social Housing, where she gained valuable skills such as raising POs, dealing with tenants, and working on the WIP sheet.

While Madison is not yet sure about her long-term career goals, she would like to stay at RFM Group. She is currently learning a lot from her role and hopes to continue to do so in the future.

For those considering an apprenticeship, Madison’s advice is to go for it. “An apprenticeship provides you with more experience than you would get at college or sixth form, and it gives you skills that you can use for the rest of your working life.”

Apprenticeships

Join RFM Group

Considering RFM Group for an apprenticeship is definitely worth it for anyone looking to start a career in property management. The company has a reputation for being supportive of its employees and providing opportunities for them to grow and learn.

As an apprentice at RFM Group, one would have the chance to work alongside experienced professionals and gain hands-on experience in the property management industry. In addition to gaining valuable skills and experience, apprentices at RFM Group also receive a competitive salary, and the company is committed to providing training and development opportunities to help apprentices advance in their careers.

RFM Group is also an inclusive and diverse employer that values its employees and ensures that everyone is treated with respect and fairness.

Overall, choosing RFM Group as an employer for an apprenticeship is an excellent choice for anyone looking to start a career in property management.

Apprenticeships

Speak to the Property Experts...

Whether you need advice on a new project or have an existing property or portfolio - We're always happy to help. Please call or 08000 277 262 email proactive@rfm-group.com

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