Agency launches training academy to 'nurture rising stars'

An estate agency has launched an internal academy to provide training for its rising stars. 

Humberts, which has 23 offices across England, has hand-picked eight junior members of staff to participate in its inaugural training academy starting this month.

The candidates were selected after the Humberts management team reviewed all employees' performance, commitment, potential and demonstration of company values and behaviours.

Humberts' academy trainees are all at negotiator or associate level and have been with the company for varying periods – from nine months to seven years.

The 18-month programme will train participants through personalised coaching sessions and access to business strategy.

Humberts says it has created the academy in order to prepare its next generation of senior leaders.

"As an employer, it is our job to ensure that employees reach their full potential and enjoy a long-term career with Humberts,” says Ian Westerling, managing director of Humberts.

“The Academy gives us an ongoing framework to commit additional resources to provide tailored coaching and nurture the best of our employees to create the leaders of tomorrow and we are very excited to see the results.”

Diane Brasnett, the firm's HR manager, adds: “We want to be an employer of choice in our local markets and the Academy is one way we stand out from our competition. The Academy offers participants a unique opportunity to get under the skin of how a business operates, far beyond their day job.”