New training program to polish soft skills
By
Ben Abbott
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19/08/2010 5:50:00 AM
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3
comments
Traineeship Management Australia has launched a 12-month diploma and mentoring program for aspiring brokers that will include training in soft competencies such as customer service, sales, and para-broking.
In an industry first, students will also be put through a mentoring program where they will settle at least three live loans under the supervision of experienced practitioners via The Mortgage Academy.
The face-to-face offering - initially offered out of Melbourne - will see students graduate with a Diploma in Financial Services (Finance and Mortgage Broking Management) which encompasses Certificate IV (Mortgage and Finance Broking) as well as competencies in ASIC Tier 2 General Advice requirements.
The additional soft competencies aim to give students a "practical understanding of the end-to-end process of lending", according to TMA managing director Scott Donnelly, and include cross-selling or 'diversification' training, and coursework on referring clients to other advice professionals.
"All too often we see courses deliver students into the industry without any real understanding of what practical skills are involved in being a professional mortgage broker," Donelly said.
He argues the TMA program is "by far the most robust in the market", after the inclusion of the "much-neglected" soft skill competencies as well as practical know-how through mentoring into the program.
TMA expects to conduct the course in other states next year, and a fast-track model will be offered to candidates with industry experience who wish to broaden their industry knowledge.
TMA was launched in 2005, while the team includes the MFAA's former head of professional development, Micheal Eddy. Uptake of its courses has been assisted by a subsidy from the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments allowing students access at discounted rates.
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Latest Comments
Total:
3
comment(s)
Michael on
19 Aug 2010 10:03 AM
Good idea. I would look to take on a graduate upon completition of the course.
Fred Poli on
20 Aug 2010 11:08 AM
It''s about time the practical issues were addressed. Well done.
Concerned for students on
24 Nov 2010 06:02 PM
So who has endorsed this programme, remember no good doing some thing that is not recognised/endorsed.