Barry Plant bets on AI to train the next generation of agents

Launch Academy was designed to give agents the knowledge to understand the industry, the confidence to take action, the habits to build sustainable careers and the right connections to grow.

The academy will utilise three apps to help agents turn learning into practical action and give them the skills they need to succeed in their careers.

Franchise performance manager, Rayni Jerram, said the initiative will address a gap where new agents are left to absorb information from professionals in a fast-paced office environment, failing to learn the specific skills needed.

“Commonly, new agents across our industry are not really given any kind of foundation on how to learn the ropes. It's basically, ‘Sit next to me, watch and learn, and there's your laptop, and now you're on your own,’” she said.

The Launch Academy will provide a framework covering the fundamentals of real estate, Barry Plant’s systems and processes, practical skills and habits required to build a sustainable pipeline.

Each week, participants complete six to seven modules covering the sales process, including brand and culture, prospecting, client conversations, business development, and the network’s systems.

Three apps will support training, including Rolio, an AI role-playing platform that lets agents practise real-world conversations, get instant feedback, and build confidence before engaging with clients.

Participants can work through scenarios, refine their approach, and build the skills needed for conversations with buyers and vendors.

The second app, Rebot, uses data intelligence and predictive AI to identify contacts in an agent’s database most likely to sell, while helping maintain clean, accurate CRM data.

The third platform, the Barry Plant App, gives agents insights into the broader customer experience, providing vendors with secure, real-time visibility of campaign activity, buyer interest and feedback.

Barry Plant CEO, Lisa Pennell, said the initiative marked a significant milestone, reflecting the brand’s commitment to support and ensuring new starters had the right resources to build confidence.

“Ultimately, our role is to empower our people to become the very best version of themselves,” she said.

“Launch Academy gives new agents a strong foundation to do exactly that, while creating the habits, connections and confidence that can support them throughout their careers.”

In addition to support, the course was designed to create connections beyond individual offices, allowing participants to develop relationships with people at a similar stage of their careers.

The program will accommodate unlimited participants, with more than 30 already active in the academy pilot.

Meanwhile, the content will continue to be refined and updated as new information, resources, and industry requirements emerge.

Barry Plant Epping sales consultant Jordan Dontsios, who recently transitioned from gardening and home maintenance into real estate, said the training has delivered tangible results.

“The program is quite simple, which is good when you're working throughout the day. You don't get overwhelmed or lose interest,” Dontsios said.

While he initially lacked confidence on cold calls, repeated practice and feedback helped him become more comfortable handling different scenarios and speaking with buyers and vendors.

The technological aspect of the course also proved valuable, with the Rebot platform alerting Dontsios to a potential seller within two weeks, allowing him to gain his first listing and ultimately secure a sale.

“Before I knew it, speaking to potential clients became second nature and felt like normal conversation,” he said.

“This is a great program for anyone starting in the industry, regardless of age. You gain so much confidence and encouragement from it.”