Livestock auctioneering: Paid apprenticeships, Green Cert Top Up and college degrees

Auctioneering 

In this article, That’s Farming, looks at various pathways to auctioneering (including livestock), from Green Cert Top-Up courses, to paid apprenticeships and college degree programmes.

For those eyeing livestock auctioneering as a potential career, you will need to possess a category ‘A’ licence before taking to the rostrum.

This category covers the auction of property other than land, as outlined by the PRSA (Property Regulatory Services Authority).

These include small or multiple lot auctions, all livestock, bloodstock, art, antiques, art, vehicles and plant and machinery.

According to the PRSA, livestock marts provide “superb” training grounds that will challenge your valuation skills and your knowledge of managing an auction room, a ring, the expectations of buyers and sellers and bid management.

Other licence categories:

• B – The purchase or sale (by auction or private treaty) of land (including buildings)
• C – The letting of land (including buildings)
• D – Property management services

To apply for the PSR for a licence, which you must renew annually, applicants must have completed an academic qualification that the awarding body provides at Level 6 or higher in the National Framework of Qualifications.

Furthermore, they must have attained the minimum number of European Credit Transfers in each of the seven specified subjects.

These are:

• Economics;
• Law;
• Valuations;
• Marketing/practice knowledge;
• Property management;
• Building construction/technical;
• Business studies/professional management.

Careers 

There are several programmes ranging from level 5 certs upwards that you can complete to work towards obtaining your licence.

Some modules that students cover as part of these courses include valuations, law, marketing, economics, finance/accounting, construction studies, planning, property management and taxation, quantitative methods, building, marketing and European investment markets and housing.

Careers:

• Property manager;
• Property valuer;
• Estate agent;
• Letting agent;
• Property consultant.

Courses

Here, we have summarised some courses that are available:

• Level 5 Certificate in Auctioneering, Estate Agency, and Valuation at BFEI (Blackrock Further Education Institute) in Blackrock Village, Co Dublin. The course runs from September to May, with 30 places available.
• Another Level 5 PLC (Post-Leaving Cert course in Auctioneering, Estate Agency and Valuation) developed by Ballsbridge College of Further Education in conjunction with the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland.
• Bachelor of Science in Auctioneering, Valuation and Estate Agency at Technological University Dublin. 330 CAO points in 2021 for this three-year, Level 7-degree programme.
• LIT: Level 8 Property Valuation and Management course (4 years), which involves three years academic study and one year of industrial work placement in third year. According to the course providers, the programme offers a business-based qualification and covers agricultural, residential, commercial, and specialist property.

Part-time/online/both 

• Part-time Higher Certificate in Property Services and Facilities Management at IT Sligo. Unlike other courses, you must be in full-time employment in a related role in the property services or facilities management industry. Employment, the college says, is necessary as there is a work-based learning module that students must undertake. This is a level 6 programme, delivered over two years and upon completion, graduates can apply to the PRSA for A, B, C and D licences.
• Part-time Higher Certificate in Real Estate (Valuation, Sales, and Management) through Technological University Dublin. It involves a blend of classroom and online-based learning, and graduates can apply to the PRSA upon completion. You must complete the Professional Practice module by work shadowing or obtain work experience in the industry to obtain a level six qualification.
• Certificate in Property Services (Online) – a one-year level 6 part-time course from IT Sligo. For those working in the property sector who wish to develop their career. Graduates can progress to the final year of the Higher Certificate in Property Services and Facilities Management at ATU Sligo, as outlined above.
• TUS and IPAV: Certificate in Rural Estate Administration. One year course aimed at those currently working or considering roles in real estate offices as administrators. Can progress to other programmes, including the Level 6 Higher Cert in Business Studies (year 2 programme), then the Level 7 Bachelor of Business Studies, then the Level 8 Bachelor of Business Studies and eventually, a Level 9 postgraduate diploma in various disciplines or master degree programmes.

Interest courses:

• Auctioneering and Estate Agency Practices: QQI Level 5 either online or class-based through Limerick College of Further Education. The PRSA does not recognise this course. To gain a licence, you must complete a course that the regulator recognises. However, this may be an option for those with an interest in this career field if they have no previous industry experience and wish to “get a feel” for the sector.

Other routes

• Two-year ‘earn and learn’ apprenticeship program. You can complete this through Cork College of Further Education, Ballsbridge College of Further Education, Dublin and Galway or Roscommon Education and Training Board.

Green Cert ‘Top Up’

Meanwhile, ICOS and IPAV have developed a course for Teagasc Level 6 Green Cert graduates working for an ICOS mart to attain a ‘special purpose award’.

Upon completion, this will enable graduates to apply to the PRSA for a category ‘A’ licence.

Students must undertake a professional practice module and an exam, through IPAV and TU Dublin Tallaght.

If graduates wish to obtain a category B, C or D licence, they can further their education by completing a further degree programme.

Other articles on That’s Farming

Here from those who are already working in the field, in our special On the Rostrum series.