Before applying to this apprenticeship, please check that you meet all entry requirements. 

• Minimum of 5 Passes (O6/H7) in Leaving Certificate or equivalent.

          OR

• Full QQI (level 5 or 6) Business award or equivalent.

           OR

• Those seeking to use experiential learning to access the programme through a structured interview process.

For more detailed entry requirements, visit auctioneeringapprenticeship.ie. 

The programme starts in September and finishes in May every year. Apprentices attend college one day a week during this period ensuring minimum disruption to the workplace. They also attend college for a week induction at the start of the programme.

The induction module provides the apprentice with the foundation skills in relation to studying, academic writing, time management and completing assignments.

The content is extremely practical and relevant to the workplace. Most assessments are based on addressing real life opportunities and challenges in the apprentice’s workplace. The apprentice is encouraged to share learning throughout the organisation

In advance of completing an application for the Auctioneering and Property Services Apprenticeship it is important to understand the commitment you will need to provide to this programme.

Learners will be employed in Auctioneering, Estate Agency, Property Management and Property Letting firms. Learning will take place in the company where apprentices will work four days per week and learners will attend college one day per week. 

There are two terms per annum.

• Academic learning is delivered through a combination of lectures, discussion and group sessions.
• Employers support apprenticeships with a structured programme of on-the-job training and development.
• Workplace mentors and supervisors help along the way.

Programme Content

Year 1:

• Valuations 1&2
• Estate Agency Skills
• Estate Agency Practice
• Marketing and Customer Service
• Economics for Property Services
• ICT for Property Services
• Professional Development
• Law for Property Services 1

Award Stage (Year 2)

• Building Construction 1&2
• Sales and Marketing
• Property Management 1&2
• Law for Property Services 2
• Professional Management Capstone

The training is provided by the following institutions:

• Cork College of Commerce- Morrison Island campus
• Ballsbridge College of Further Education
• Athenry College of Further Education

• Employ professional judgement to qualify and recommend the most suitable buyer to a client.
• Communicate in a positive, engaging, energetic and passionate manner with clients, potential clients, members of the public.
• Be punctual, reliable, diligent and respectful and act with integrity towards clients, peers and colleagues at all times.
• Display a willingness to learn new skills, solve problems and work as part of a team.
• Show thoroughness and attention to detail in all aspects of the work of a Property Service Provider.
• Show awareness of the huge role personal appearance, grooming and dress plays in generating trust and confidence among clients and colleagues.

You will be trained to: 

• Determine the valuation most suited to the property or land being valued and to the purpose of the valuation. Produce written valuations.
• Show a property to a client, highlighting key features which appeal to the relevant target market.
• Negotiate with vendors and buyers to ensure the successful sale of property or land.
• Generate sales leads and create potential business opportunities in every encounter, whether with members of the public, neighbours or professional colleagues.
• Network effectively to obtain market information, second opinions and business.
• Write clearly and persuasively when creating sales and marketing copy and when communicating with clients and colleagues.
• Measure and photograph a property in accordance with industry standards and guidelines.
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic construction principles when dealing with clients and industry professionals; draw and interpret simple technical drawings and simple building plans.
• Manage his or her time so as to maximise productivity, working to a tightly scheduled diary and dealing with multiple clients in the one day.
• Manage property in compliance with current legislation and in a way that ensures that both clients and tenants meet their legal obligations and benefit from their legal right.
• Demonstrate proficient computer skills, in particular Microsoft Word.

• Explain the structure of the property industry including its relationship between agent, vendor and buyer, financial institutions and developers, including the main types of agencies and the weaknesses and strengths of each type.
• List the different valuation methods used in the industry and determine which method is best suited to the purpose of the valuation and to the type of property being valued
• Describe the rules and code of conduct governing ethical and professional behaviour as set down by the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) and the relevant professional bodies in the industry
• Identify good practice for maintaining detailed records and office administration for applicant qualification
• Describe the key concepts, strategies and tools of service marketing and explain how to influence and successfully negotiate the sale of property and land
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the legislative framework within which the industry operates
• Explain the principles of economic theory and their application to the property market
• Describe the principles of building construction
• Explain how to let property and land in compliance with current legislation
• Discuss the structure and role of the property management company

Day to day work:

• The Licensed Property Services Provider values residential and commercial property and land for the purposes of sale, probate, family law, development or governmental initiatives 
• He/She negotiates the sale of residential, commercial property and land either by private treaty or by auction tender. 
• He/She lets residential, commercial property and land 
• The Property Services Provider manages residential or commercial property 
• He/She markets residential and commercial property and land for the purpose of sale or letting

Learners who successfully complete the apprenticeship will be eligible to apply for a licence from the Property Service Regulatory Authority (PSRA) as well as the ability to pursue work in the following areas:

• Auctioneering and Estate Agency firms
• Property Letting companies
• Property Management companies

Ballsbridge College of FE has provided an Auctioneering course at QQI Level 5 for over 15 years and has built up progression links with the following relevant degree courses in Dublin Institute of technology (DIT) and Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh:

A DIT -BSc (Hons) Property Economics (Val Survey)

B DIT - BSc (Ord) Real Estate

C Heriot Watt - BSC (Hons) Planning and Property Development. - Graduates of Ballsbridge Colleges Level 5 Auctioneering course have also progressed to Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) Real Estate (Prop. Val & Mgt) degree course.

Ballsbridge College will further develop these links for graduates of the proposed Level 6 programme with a view to establishing advanced entry progression and/or module exemptions.

Upon successful completion of the 2-year programme the apprentice will be eligible to apply for a Property Services Regulatory Authority (PRSA) license (categories A, B, C and D).

To become an apprentice in Ireland you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship.

The Applications open in January each year with the programme commencing in September of that year in Dublin, Cork, and Galway.

If you are interested in registering your interest in applying for this apprenticeship, please visit auctioneeringapprenticeship.ie

To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies and a list of currently approved apprentice employers on the Apprenticeship Jobs & Employers Portal. You can search for vacancies by location, and employers in each apprenticeship.

Use this link to explore a list of Approved Employers by Region and by Apprenticeship type.

This apprenticeship is managed by City of Dublin Education and Training Board. If you are interested in an Auctioneering and Property Services Apprenticeship you should make contact with via the contact details below.

Full eligibility criteria for this apprenticeship are available in the Auctioneering and Property Services Apprenticeship brochure

What do I need to do before deciding to apply for this Apprenticeship?

Do I meet the minimum entry requirements?  An offer of a place on this apprenticeship programme is contingent on the applicant meeting the entry requirements, eligibility interview and being offered an apprenticeship contract by a registered employer following an interview process.

What do I know about the Property Services sector in Ireland? Prepare yourself by researching the market and understanding the challenges facing the sector. Do I understand the role of a Licensed Property Services Provider and the day to day duties conducted in the office? Do I want a career in this sector?

Further information is also available from the following:

Dublin City
Ballsbridge College of Further Education
Tel: (01) 668 4806
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ballsbridgecollege.com

Cork City
Cork College of Commerce
Tel: (021) 4223807
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.corkcollegeofcommerce.ie

Athenry, Galway
Athenry, Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.gretb.ie

Finding an employer and securing your apprenticeship

Finding an employer or registering your interest with an official Coordinating Provider is one of the first things you need to do to start an apprenticeship.

Opportunities for this apprenticeship may be available from the following organisations:

• Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland

Online Jobsites

Here are some direct links to employment websites that frequently list apprenticeship vacancies.

Note: These websites may include vacancies that are not QQI accredited Apprenticeships.

Employers are encouraged to pay a salary that they consider reasonable and reflects the level of work and study undertaken and that will attract the best candidates to apply for their vacancy.

Current guidelines from the Industry Steering Group state payment to an apprentice should correspond with the salary for entry level positions* within the industry with no deduction for the day release to attend college.

This can range from €20,000 to €22,000 plus per annum depending upon working hours and geographical location, *subject to the current national minimum wage*.

As an apprentice, you earn while you learn. The employer pays you a salary while you are being trained on-the-job and off-the-job. The rate of pay is agreed between you and your employer.

Apprentices are not required to pay a student contribution for this apprenticeship.