We mark National Apprenticeship Week by speaking to Kesi
National Apprenticeship Week (7th to 13th February 2022) aims to highlight the benefits of choosing to complete an apprenticeship as an alternative to entering into higher education. Leading property management agent, Rendall & Rittner, is committed to supporting young people as they begin their Property Management careers.
To mark this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, we have spoken to former apprentice, Kesi Avdyli. Having completed her apprenticeship a year ago, Kesi told us all about her experiences as an apprentice at Rendall & Rittner, and how it has helped in her current role as an Assistant Property Manager.
Why did you decide to become an apprentice at Rendall & Rittner?
Learning in a classroom setting wasn’t right for me as I like to learn in a much more practical way. Because of this, I’d never really considered going to university, but I still wanted to do something that would help me progress in my career. I wanted a career in the property industry, so when I saw a role advertised for a property management apprentice at Rendall & Rittner, I immediately applied after researching the company and was offered the position after completing two interviews.
As an apprentice what did a typical day look like for you?
My apprenticeship was due to last 18 months, although it ended up being a little longer because of the pandemic. My training involved regular site visits with other Property Managers where they would show me around and explain what they do when they go to site and shadowing members of different departments to understand their roles. I was also part of an initiative run by ‘Catch 22’ that worked with Rendall & Rittner to train us with the knowledge needed to progress in the role, including compiling presentations, a project and preparing to take exams. as part of the apprenticeship.
How has your apprenticeship helped you in your career?
My favourite part of being an apprentice was simultaneously learning whilst gaining practical experience. Completing my apprenticeship meant that I had gained a lot of the basic knowledge that you need to work in Property Management like understanding the relevant laws and why things are done the way they are. This was really useful when I started as an Assistant Property Manager because I was able to get stuck in right from the start.
What do you do in your current role as an Assistant Property Manager?
Day to day, I assist the Area Director and one of the Property Managers in my team which has helped me during my career by introducing me to a range of situations and how to deal with them at different levels. My role involves dealing with the day-to-day maintenance at each of the sites I assist on, dealing with queries by responding to emails/ taking calls, taking minutes in client/board meetings and helping with management reports. Whilst a lot of our job involves doing things online, I also get the opportunity to visit lots of new sites and meet new people which is really exciting.
What do you enjoy most about being an Assistant Property Manager at Rendall & Rittner?
My team are all very supportive and are one of the main reasons that I decided to stay at Rendall & Rittner after completing my apprenticeship. You also learn something new every day, which keeps the role interesting. In terms of my role, I love being an Assistant Property Manager as it’s really varied with the different situations you can come across and I get to use my problem-solving skills.
What are you most looking forward to in your career?
I’m really excited to see how I progress with property management. My Area Director also started his career as an Assistant Property Manager and worked his way up and is a fully qualified surveyor, so I am very inspired by those around me. I am also looking forward to taking the rest of my exams to get additional qualifications that will further support my role in the future.
Posted: 10 February 2022
