A regional LJ Hooker office has given an aspiring real estate agent an early start through a school-based traineeship, combining classroom learning with hands-on industry experience.
A local high school student has been given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a real estate agency while completing their Higher School Certificate (HSC) through a school-based traineeship.
The placement came after Jayden McGrath approached LJ Hooker Bathurst director Mark Dwyer about starting his career in the industry, with Dwyer quick to recognise the value of bringing young talent in early.
Having experienced a similar pathway when he first entered the workforce, Dwyer said the traineeship was a chance to support McGrath’s development while giving him practical insight into the profession.
“I was a school-based apprentice for warehouse management back when I first entered the workforce, so when I was approached, I was already on board for it,” Dwyer said.
“It is great to be involved in bringing up the next up-and-comers, while also having the junior support in the office.”
“We have a few young people working within our team, and they bring great energy to the business, and mentoring is always rewarding.”
Alongside his Year 11 studies at St Stanislaus College, McGrath spends time in the LJ Hooker Bathurst office gaining exposure to the day-to-day operations of the business as he works towards assistant agent registration.
His role involves supporting the team at open homes, preparing signage, assisting with administrative tasks and building confidence in client interactions.
Across the country, thousands of young Australians have been completing school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, combining formal qualifications with paid workplace experience.
“I didn’t have any plans to stay at school or go to university, so this has kept me studying,” McGrath said.
While aspiring agents can begin the registration process from 16 in NSW and Victoria, a full real estate licence requires applicants to be at least 18 across all states and territories.
By the end of his training, the future property professional will have qualifications and will be able to decide which role he wants to step into.
“I can now see real estate as my future, and I couldn’t have picked a better brand to start off my career,” McGrath said.
According to LJ Hooker’s head of learning and development, Ty Read, traineeship programs help shape the future of the industry while also bringing fresh energy and perspective into an office.
“This sort of traineeship used to be very popular and provides a fantastic introduction for young people to understand the realities of a real estate career,” Read said.
Read said the experience extends beyond teaching technical skills, helping young people develop confidence, communication abilities and resilience as they navigate their first steps into the workforce.
Additionally, Read said principals who prioritise developing their people can create stronger teams while also finding personal satisfaction in helping others grow and succeed.
“It also strengthens the business more broadly by creating a culture where knowledge is shared, people are encouraged to learn, and the next generation of real estate professionals can see a genuine pathway forward.”
“It can rejuvenate the business, too, by creating a positive environment where everyone is motivated to share their experience and contribute to the development of others.”
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?Make Real Estate Business a preferred news source on Google.
