At Weston College, we pride ourselves on providing apprentices with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in their careers. One of our former apprentices, Asha George, is a perfect example of how an apprenticeship can open doors to new opportunities. Asha completed a Level 2 Junior Estate Agent apprenticeship while working at Cross Keys Estates and has since built a successful career in the property industry. She shares with us her journey and insights into the benefits of apprenticeships. 

During her apprenticeship, Asha gained a wealth of knowledge and practical skills that have helped her excel in her role. She developed expertise in identifying property age and construction types, spotting defects, preparing for negotiations, agreeing terms of sale, conducting viewings, and selling the services of her company. 

Beyond industry-specific knowledge, Asha also improved her communication, time management, and organisational skills – crucial in her role as an estate agent. 

Like many apprentices, Asha faced challenges during her course, particularly as someone with ADHD. However, she received excellent support from her Weston College assessor, Georgie, who ensured she had the flexibility and extra time needed to complete her work successfully. 

"By having some flexibility, dedicating a day to my apprenticeship work, and speaking with Georgie about any concerns, I was able to overcome and manage the challenges I faced," Asha explains. 

One of Asha’s fondest memories from her apprenticeship was spending a week shadowing her Director. This experience gave her insights into the valuation process, including preparing reports, attending valuations, and following up with clients. 

"It was a great week of learning about a slightly different role within the business and how different valuations should be approached. I also loved learning about construction and defects – it was a fantastic module that has massively helped me in my role as an estate agent." 

For Asha, choosing an apprenticeship was a strategic decision that allowed her to apply her learning directly to her job. She was also motivated to gain a qualification that would set her apart in the industry. 

"Being a young woman in this industry can be challenging at times. While the world has made lots of progress, we do occasionally meet people who unfortunately haven’t. This motivated me to gain a qualification through an apprenticeship, giving me as much skill, knowledge, experience, and confidence as possible." 

Since completing her course, Asha has taken her career to new heights. She is now a registered member of Propertymark, giving clients reassurance that she is qualified and up to date with industry regulations. She also manages her own portfolio of properties and sales, creates social media content for her company, and actively engages with clients. 

When asked whether she would recommend an apprenticeship with Weston College, Asha had no hesitation in saying yes. 

"Weston College is an excellent choice for anyone considering an apprenticeship. They have fantastic courses on offer, so there is something for everyone, and the support they provide goes above and beyond!" 

Asha’s journey showcases the incredible opportunities that apprenticeships offer, blending education with real-world experience. If you're looking to start your career while gaining a valuable qualification, an apprenticeship could be the perfect choice for you! 

Interested in an apprenticeship? Explore our courses and start your career today!