Scholarship programme offers new employment opportunities

A commitment to the ongoing long-term future of New Zealand’s real estate sector has motivated the extension of a scholarship programme enabling new professionals to join the industry, and enticing experienced staff to look at expanding their career potential.

The Bayleys Working Scholarship programme was launched in 2010 and proved so successful in attracting new personnel to the property sector, that a decision was made to offer scholarships again this year.

Bayleys managing director Mike Bayley said the 2011 Bayleys Working Scholarship applications opened earlier this month, and would run through until March 25.

“Quite frankly, we were overwhelmed at the sheer volume and calibre of applications received when we launched the programme last year,” Mr Bayley said.

“A careful vetting procedure ensured that only the best candidates progressed through scholarship application process. At the end of that process, some 19 Bayleys Working Scholarships were awarded to highly deserving real estate professionals who had displayed an outstanding dedication to furthering their careers.

“Those 19 recipients encompassed all property sectors – country, commercial and industrial, and residential. Recipients were located across New Zealand – from Kerikeri to Queenstown.”

Mike Bayley said that in addition to the 19 Bayleys Working Scholarships allocated throughout New Zealand, a further 11 new salespeople joined Bayleys after being attracted to the company because of the programme, but who, through various circumstances, did not qualify for a scholarship.

“This shows the powerful attraction of the Bayleys brand in the real estate sales marketplace,” he said.
“The success of the 2010 Bayleys Working Scholarship programme, and the enthusiasm shown by the inaugural group of recipients, encouraged us to open up the opportunity again in 2011 – with a growing emphasis this year on attracting real estate sales people looking to take advantages of Bayleys’ resources and branding.

“The Bayleys Working Scholarship is designed to give successful recipients the skills, knowledge, tools, and support they need to make it to the top in the real estate industry.”

This year, the emphasis on scholarships is firstly to entice salespeople with current real estate sales experience who are looking to move from other agencies, to one where training and personal development are treated with the utmost importance and resource commitment.

“Of course, the Bayleys Working Scholarship will still be open to individuals from other professions looking at launching a new career in real estate sales,” he said.

Scholarship applications are available through the company’s website www.bayleys.co.nz