Bayleys' scholarships offer opportunity for a new career

Mike Bayley is overwhelmed by the calibre of past scholarship applicants. Photo / Supplied

Newmarket property dates back to the 1920s, writes Colin Taylor

Applications are now open for Bayleys' real estate agent scholarship and will be received by the agency until April 5.

Mike Bayley, managing director of Bayleys Real Estate, says that theBayleys scholarship programme was launched in 2010 and proved so successful in attracting new people to the property sector over the past two years that it was decided to offer scholarships again this year.

"Quite frankly, we were overwhelmed at the sheer volume and calibre of applications received when we launched the programme two years ago."

Bayley said the scholarships were designed to give successful recipients the skills, knowledge, tools and support to make it to the top.

"A careful vetting procedure ensures that only the best candidates progress through the scholarship application process. At the end of that process, some 28 Bayleys scholarships have been awarded to highly deserving real estate professionals who have displayed an outstanding dedication to furthering their careers.

"Those 28 recipients encompassed all property sectors - country, commercial and industrial, and residential. Recipients were located across New Zealand from Kerikeri to Queenstown."

Bayley says that in addition to the scholarships awarded, a further 18 new salespeople joined the agency after being attracted because ofthe programme, but who, through various circumstances, did not qualify for a scholarship.

"This year again, the emphasis on scholarships is firstly to entice salespeople with limited 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."

Bayleys scholarships will also still be open to individuals from other professions looking at a new career in real estate sales.

Bayley says the continuance of the programme reflects its commitment to the sector's long-term future by enabling new professionals to join the industry, and by enticing experienced staff to expand their potential.

Scholarship applications are available through www.bayleys.co.nz