Emma, ​​(31), a graduate in business and marketing, is an office manager at the family business McCartney and Crawford Estate Agents, in Ballymena. Emma said: “I took a photoshop / imaging course during the first foreclosure and that’s when I learned about the Propertymark Level 3 award in the sale of residential properties offered to SERC. J ‘ve worked in the real estate industry for many years, but there is always something new to learn.

“After taking the course, I knew I could use these skills to expand and update my knowledge in sales and apply them to grow our business in the future. The course was conducted online due to Covid-19, but I really enjoyed the lessons. They weren’t too big so allowed us to get to know each other, ask questions, discuss personal experiences and it was great to meet other people in the same field of activity.

“The course has given me a wealth of knowledge and even though I work in the industry, you never know everything. We were provided with great notes and examples to incorporate into our corporate structure, so in my experience it was all worth it.

“I really enjoyed the course and have already registered for level 3 rental. SERC has adapted brilliantly to online delivery, which means I can have great coaching and support from the comfort of my home in Ballymena.