From Apprentice to Redwing's New Homeownership Assistant, Meet Matty!
To celebrate Learning at Work Week, we sat down with Matty, Redwing's newly appointed Homeownership Assistant who joined the team in November 2021 as a Sales and Lettings Assistant apprentice via the Kickstart scheme. Keep reading to find out more about Matty’s role as an apprentice and his new permeant role at Redwing, along with everything he learnt along the way!
What motivated you to apply for this apprenticeship?
I’ve wanted to work in property for a long time, I studied Architecture at University and a BTEC Level 2 in building trades which involved training in joinery, bricklaying, painting and decorating. After a couple of years on the courses, I wanted to try something new as I was interested in the back-office side of things and was interested to understand the legalities around property. I saw a Kickstart apprenticeship opportunity at Redwing and instantly went for it!
I’m made up I did as I’ve learnt so much working alongside the sales and lettings team, from the day-to-day tasks such as viewings to understanding unique products such as shared ownership. I have now even secured a full-time permanent position as Homeownership Assistant!
What are your position and key responsibilities in your role?
In my new position as Homeownership Assistant, I work alongside Redwing’s Homeownership Coordinator David, to help customers through staircasing to own a higher share of their home if they are a shared owner, or investigating and helping customers apply for the right to buy their home if they currently rent.
My day-to-day tasks involve arranging valuations of properties, liaising with customers to inform them of the documents required to push forward with their application, and solicitors to discuss the status of an application.
In my apprenticeship, my day-to-day tasks involved answering queries via call and email from customers who wish to book a viewing or chase up the sale of their home. I also assisted the Sales and Lettings Team with property listings via property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla.
What is the best thing about working at Redwing?
I feel like more than just a number. Instantly I was welcomed into the team and have felt so supported throughout my journey, from understanding my childcare commitments and giving me a flexible contract to taking the time to sit down and teach me the complexities of shared ownership and the right to buy, I can’t thank them enough!
What challenges have you faced?
I didn’t have any sales and lettings or office environment experience before starting my apprenticeship, so I was thrown in at the deep end, but I loved the challenge! It’s been brilliant being in the office and chatting to my colleagues about their day-to-day role, I feel like you can learn so much more being on the job and getting first-hand experience rather than in a classroom.
Are there any studies involved as a kickstart apprentice?
I had no assignments or exams as it’s all on the job learning-based. As a kickstart apprentice, I did 3 days in the office at Redwing and 2 days in Anfield at employability sessions which involved CV writing, setting up a LinkedIn account and meeting with other kickstart apprentices to discuss what we have learnt along the way. This has massively increased my confidence and people skills rather than being sat in a classroom, as I have had to do presentations with my peers at the employability sessions, and speak to customers at Redwing each week, it’s been great to just get stuck in!
What’s next for you?
I’m loving my new role as a Homeownership Assistant, and I am looking forward to developing my knowledge and skills further as I grow in the role. I would also like to do an NAEA qualification which will which teach me all the expert knowledge you need as a sales agent, including policies, procedures and the legal side of things.
What is the best piece of advice you can give about learning and development?
Find something you enjoy doing and you’ll put your all into it!