Training and accreditation: a long-term industry investment
If you’ve been in business long enough there will almost certainly have come a time when you would have experienced some sort of work-related situation that made you question the training of the people involved.
And while we all embrace the importance of proper training, particularly when there are health and safety issues at stake, how much thought is given to establishing accreditation and standards in the ‘softer’ service industries? Training is crucial for organisational and individual development and success. It’s about providing the knowledge and expertise to learn how to think safely and plan ahead, and is beneficial to all parties.
Specialised training by accredited people across every industry is key, along with routine monitoring and evaluation of staff for compliance and corrective measures where required. In this light, ARAMA has developed a ‘first of its kind’ Management Rights Induction Training program designed specifically for people entering the management rights industry as operators for the first time.
The all-inclusive program is also of benefit for people considering entering the industry in the future, or looking to gain an understanding of how the Industry works. It is also relevant for the employees of professional service providers or suppliers and banks, accountants, brokers etc.
Covering the legal perspectives of the Property Occupations Act, BCCM Act and other acts, Office of Fair Trading compliance, investigations and the role of the committee and body corporate as well as how to avoid disputes with the body corporate, the program comprehensively prepares the resident manager to act as letting agent, caretaker and/or facilities manager, and at the end of the program, participants are equipped with a greater understanding of all the major components needed to better manage a successful management rights business.
The ARAMA program moves beyond the ‘training’ model of continuing education however, and offers members ways to engage with, reflect on, and learn from the subtle and difficult ‘day-to-day’ problems that may arise within their operation as well as across the broader context of the tourism industry.
Associations have an important role to play to improve the professional and education standards within their industries, as well as to foster and maintain a Code of Ethics for members to enhance standards of operation and behavior. The management rights industry continues to face many challenges, and for ARAMA to continue to expand its activities, it needs the support of resident managers who own and operate management rights businesses.
This year ARAMA has conducted almost 50 free-to-enter training and education events in regional areas across Australia focusing on the practical exchange of information on a wide variety of topics such as:-
- The new Property Laws and changes to fees and charges structure
- Building maintenance and code compliance
- Management rights explained
- Body corporate committee training masterclass including two sold out sessions designed specifically for Chinese/Australian operators
- How to protect and defend your letting pool
- Residential tenancy training
The innovative ARAMA Induction Training program, together with monthly workshops and regional networking events will continue to improve member skills and performance to ensure that they are ready to meet the challenges of today’s economy and business world.
Eric is the National President of ARAMA. Australian Resident Accommodation Managers Association (ARAMA) is a membership based, not for profit, peak industry body which represents the interests of people who are involved in Management Rights.
