Property skills boost

WA’S first course in property invest-ment will provide those in the business with an opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge in this field.

Offered at Curtin Business School, the Graduate Certificate in Property Investment is a 12 month course designed to meet the needs of those specifically involved with property investment.

“We assume the participants already have a level of skills and knowledge in the property area,” property studies head Professor Dominique Fischer said.

“The course is aimed at people working in financial institutions, such as bankers, property managers and valuers.

“This is not about real estate and buying houses — it is about how to establish and manage income-producing properties, property trusts and share portfolios.”

Professor Fischer said the course was not exclusively for those who already held a tertiary degree.

“It is also for people who do not necessarily have a degree in business or commerce but who have a certain amount of experience in the property industry,” he said.

Individual investors can also participate in the four-unit course.

After completing the certificate, participants can continue on to a Graduate Diploma in Property and Master in Property.

The course, which started last month, attracted 17 students, the majority of whom are already working in the property industry.

Australian Property Institute executive officer Pamela Richardson said while the course was not compulsory, the institute would always encourage people to become involved in furthering their education and experience.