FernMark licence boosts real estate training internationally

Skills International has become the first service-based company to receive a New Zealand FernMark License for their online real estate training programme.

The FernMark is the Government’s official ‘country of origin’ accreditation programme, designed to protect and promote high quality New Zealand products to the world. By meeting the eligibility criteria and being granted the licence, Skills International’s service has received the New Zealand Government official ‘tick of approval’. 

Skills International’s online training programme prepares prospective newcomers to work in New Zealand’s real estate industry before they arrive in the country, and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. The course content is aligned with the New Zealand National Certificate in Real Estate (Salesperson) (Level 4). 

Nine modules cover topics including methods of sale, how to establish yourself in the market, property legislation and land ownership and titles. The final part of the process is a two hour face-to-face interview once the participant has arrived in New Zealand. Completing the programme means individuals can then be awarded the National Certificate in Real Estate, meaning they can apply for a salesperson’s licence from the Real Estate Agents Authority (REAA) and be up and running in the New Zealand real estate industry in a matter of weeks after arrival in New Zealand.  

Bridget Dennis, General Manager of Skills International commented: “We are extremely proud to share with our clients and customers that the training programme now carries the FernMark trademark, and to be the first service-based company to be awarded the licence. It recognises our hard work in encouraging skilled individuals to enter the country and start earning an income almost immediately. Having the licence will enhance the programme, provide reassurance for prospective trainees, and boost the New Zealand economy.”

The FernMark licence has up until this point been exclusively granted to product-based companies. Sarah Morgan, Marketing Manager, NZ Story commented on this, saying: “We are very pleased to offer Skills International a licence for their real estate training programme as it meets with all the criteria of the Programme. The Real Estate Course is a great example of providing offshore ‘out of the box’ training for migrants. We hope that the trademark will boost the programme’s international presence and increase the number of skilled real estate professionals entering the country.”