SAPOA CEO Neil Gopal this week announced the appointed of Margie Chessman, a seasoned human resources development specialist, to tackle the association’s training and education programs as a key focus area.
The overall challenge, says Gopal, will be aligning human resources to the demands of the future.
“Our goal continues to be attracting young, black professionals into the industry,” he elaborates.
“And we need to use targeted interventions like an enhanced SAPOA presence at school, university and technikon career days, along with bursary schemes and trust funds for education.”
Chessman has been involved in human resources development in the financial services sector for more than a decade, with a wealth of experience in skills development and the generating of standards.
She explains that one of her first priorities will be the standardization of SAPOA courses and qualifications, nationally.
“Whether you do a SAPOA course in Polokwane, Cape Town or Johannesburg, the standard will be the same,” she explains.
“So outcome will be a certificate of national competency, not just an attendance certificate.”
SAPOA’s education initiatives will focus on skills training for both school leavers and graduates interested in accessing the property market. To do this, SAPOA intends to work closely with universities in joint venture agreements, to both run the courses and to develop additional relevant content.
“We’ll also be looking at recognition and reward programs for delegates on SAPOA courses throughout SA,” adds Chessman.
Industry-wide, Chessman’s role will be to further the aims of the Property Charter’s transformation goals.
“I will be working with the standards generating body and the development unit standards to ensure proper assessment criteria for the property sector,” explains Chessman.
SAPOA also has existing property practitioners in its sights.
“There are many people who have been working in the property industry for years who have no formal qualifications. SAPOA wants to make sure they have a chance to match their experience with further education,” adds Gopal.
“That could mean new training programs targeted at experience property professionals, or mentorships for upskilling.”
