Learners from across South Wales came together at a special celebration event held at Sketty Hall Business School, to mark the successful completion of Gower College Swansea’s CIH accredited Letting and Managing Residential Properties qualification.
The new, six month qualification is designed to encourage and actively promote good standards of privately rented accommodation, while helping landlords, letting agents and tenants to understand and undertake their responsibilities to one another. It also provides essential knowledge for individual residential landlords and letting/managing agents, ensuring they are fully equipped to fulfil their professional roles in an ever-evolving property sector.
The first learners to complete the qualification represented a diverse range of organisations, including Seraph Property Management, Dawsons Estate Agents and Newydd Housing Association, showcasing the wide industry demand and relevance of this qualification.
Danielle Vaughan, Community Housing Officer at Tai Calon, who undertook the qualification said:
“I would 100% recommend this course, it’s a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to build a career in property management. The teaching and resources were excellent, and the support made balancing study with work feel easy.
The knowledge I’ve gained, especially around legislation, has already boosted my confidence in my role. I’m now inspired to continue to higher levels, and I’d encourage anyone thinking about enrolling to go for it, it’s such a well-structured and rewarding course.”
Ricky Purdy, Business Owner and Head of Residential Lettings at Dawsons Estate Agents, outlined the impact of the qualification on the organisation:
“The qualification has been an excellent addition to our training programme. Our team have found it both relevant and engaging, with clear takeaways they can apply immediately in their roles. It’s already making a positive impact in building confidence and consistency across the lettings department, and I believe it will be instrumental in setting a benchmark for professional standards in our industry.”
Douglas Haig, Managing Director of The Seraph Group, Non-Executive Director of the NRLA, and CIH Cymru Board Member, added:
“It is fantastic to see this much needed qualification achieve its first graduates. Given the challenges and changes in the private rented sector, this qualification is needed more than ever, and it’s been such a pleasure working with such a forward looking and nimble learning organisation.
The Seraph Group took advantage of the course with one of its team members, and we had great feedback. The event was a pleasure to attend, as well as to speak to the learners and those involved in developing the course. I’m delighted to see that the Level 3 is already in development.”
Lucy Bird, Commercial Manager for Housing at Gower College Swansea said:
“Congratulations to every learner who has achieved this new qualification, it marks a brilliant milestone in your careers and equips you with specialist knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of the modern private rented sector, setting a new benchmark for quality service.
Looking ahead we are incredible excited to be working with new employers across the sector, and forging new partnerships to continue to extend the reach of this qualification and collaborating on developing the next generation of property professionals.”
The event was a fitting celebration of hard work, commitment and professional growth, recognising learners who have not only achieved their qualification but also demonstrated a strong commitment to raising standards in the private rental sector.
Gower College Swansea would like to extend a warm congratulations to all the learners for their outstanding achievements. Their success highlights the College’s ongoing dedication to supporting professional development and excellence within the housing industry.
For more information about the qualification and how it can support your organisation, please contact training@gcs.ac.uk or 01792 284400.