Quarterly Update for Apprentices & Employers
Our Spring 2026 quarterly newsletters are now live – tailored guidance for both apprentices and employers:
- Knights Training Academy
From Apprentice to Pro: Kayden James Shines at Whitegates Thanks to KTA & TPFG Partnership
Kayden James exemplifies the transformative journey many embark on through KTA’s dynamic apprenticeship programs.
Starting as an eager yet unpolished talent at Whitegates Dronfield Lettings & Estate Agents, Kayden utilised the flexibility and expert guidance offered by KTA to evolve into a skilled professional.
Remarkably, by 21, he achieved the milestone of becoming his own landlord—a testament to his dedication and growth. This opportunity was made possible by The Property Franchise Group’s strategic partnership with Knights Training Academy, complemented by the invaluable support, mentorship, and investment from Whitegates’ successful owner, Bob Brown.
Kayden’s story is a shining example of the potential unlocked through KTA’s tailored apprenticeships.
How did the apprenticeship work effectively around your work commitments?
The apprenticeship was very effective in reinforcing the confidence in my day-to-day duties, such as speaking to prospective purchasers and clients regarding an auction sale.
How did you find the support of your tutor and (if applicable) any examples of where they have adapted a session or teaching or a piece of evidence you needed, to help you?
I found that Judith especially was able to identify areas where I was unsure of myself and help guide me to understand what I previously hadn’t, for example in different methods of valuation I was unsure on the method used for a valuation for insurance purposes and I was repeatedly guided towards BCIS rebuild cost calculator.
Have you got any examples of something you have learnt new in the apprenticeship, that you have since applied in the workplace?
I have learned more about the modern method and traditional method of auction as a method of sale, which I have since explained to many potential clients during valuations.
How has the apprenticeship impacted your ability to do your current role and future promotions?
The apprenticeship has compelled me to perform my job with the utmost confidence as I now have a deeper understanding of estate agency as a whole, meaning better performance and progress towards future promotions
Would you be happy to recommend Knights Training Academy to other staff? If so, what would be the main reasons as to why
I would be more than happy to recommend KTA to other staff, as you learn in depth detail surrounding the legislation of Estate Agency enabling you to protect yourself and our business
What were the top 3 advantages that you felt the apprenticeship route offered that perhaps other forms of training don’t
One advantage would be reviewing feedback on all workbooks, so you can identify mistakes you have made and learn from them.
Another advantage would be having the opportunity to learn as well as work at the same time, meaning you receive digital but also practical experience of the job role.
The final advantage would be of course receiving a wage alongside learning, meaning you are able to manage your finances as well as learn.
What were the top 3 advantages that you felt the apprenticeship route offered that perhaps other forms of training don’t
Since completing the apprenticeship, I have invested in my first Buy-To-Let property and became a landlord at 21 years old.
My confidence in the knowledge areas surrounding my job has massively increased, for example non-standard construction and properties with defects.
I am also able to talk more to potential vendors about different methods of sale, in much more depth than I previously could.
Many thanks to Judith and the KTA support team, none of this would have been possible without them
More Posts
Apprenticeship Changes 2026: What Employers Need to Know
The Government has announced major apprenticeship reforms, backed by £900m investment over the next three years.
The direction is clear. More focus on 16–24-year-olds, key skills gaps, and making apprenticeships easier for employers to use.
Commitment, Confidence, and a Distinction Achievement
At Knights Training Academy, we are proud to support learners at the start of their career in the property sector, helping them build confidence, capability and a clear pathway for progression.
Get ahead in the agent qualification journey
Mandatory qualifications for property agents are firmly back on the agenda. Revived by the RoPA report and reinforced through ongoing Government consultation, the direction of travel is clear. The sector is moving towards higher standards, greater accountability and formal recognition of competence.
Confidence, Capability, and Career Progression Through Apprenticeship
At Knights Training Academy, we are proud to support learners working across housing and property management to develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to progress in their careers.
This month, we are pleased to share the success story of Tanya Kirk, who successfully completed her Housing & Property Management Level 3 Apprenticeship while working full time in a demanding property role.
Quarterly Update for Apprentices & Employers
This newsletter has been created to support both apprentices and employers by
sharing practical guidance, celebrating success, and showing how feedback directly
shapes the way we deliver training. It brings together learner voice, employer insight,
and governance oversight to provide a clear picture of what is working well and where
improvements have been made.
Dec Blog – The Autumn Budget signals a clear shift in how apprenticeships and employer
Ofsted is updating how it inspects apprenticeship providers. Starting November 2025, inspections will focus more deeply on learner development, inclusion, and employer involvement. The old grading system is being replaced with a new five-point scale:
Confidence, Commitment, and Career Growth: A Sales Director’s Journey Through Apprenticeship
At Knights Training Academy, we’re proud to support professionals at every stage of their career. Today, we celebrate the success of one of our recent graduates—a Director at a thriving estate agency—who completed the Sales Executive Level 4 apprenticeship while balancing the demands of a senior leadership role.
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