Pittis Profiles

Andrew Oakley
Group Training Director for Arun Estates

Twelve and a half years ago, I made the decision to change my career from a National Account Manager at Cadbury Schweppes, back into estate agency where I spent two years when I left school. It was my interest in the property market and the challenge of progressing to become a branch manager that spurred me on.

Having been given the chance I then had to prove myself, like all new recruits and started work as a trainee sales advisor in the Rainham office of Ward & Partners on 20^th December 1993. From there my career progressed through a range of offices, giving me a varied knowledge and experience of estate agency. Each step of my promotion was linked with performance related targets and what I liked (and still do to this day) was the fact that I was recognized for my efforts.

In 1997 the company decided to create the position of Residential Trainer, I applied and subsequently got the job. Part of my new role entailed establishing the company Induction process together with the help of the senior Directors.

The training team now consists of 10 members of staff including classroom and field trainers, a training co-ordinator and an administration team.

The pinnacle of our achievements was recognized last year by the industry, by winning the Gold Award from Estate Agency News as Training & Development estate agent of the year. This year around we have since added a silver award which I believes cements our success and expertise in the field of training and development.

I believe part of our success is that all our trainers, like our senior management team, have proven themselves as successful estate agents before joining the department. In addition, we all demonstrate an enthusiasm and passion for helping people to achieve the best possible results.