Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Matthew Baker is one of the first candidates to pass the NFOPP
Technical Award in Chattels Auctioneering. We've spoken to Matthew
to see what he thinks of the award and his advice to possible
future candidates:
Why did you decide to undertake the qualification?
I decided to take the NFOPP Technical Award in Chattels
Auctioneering to give myself an understanding of the laws governing
an auction.
How has it helped you in your day to day tasks at work?
I have found that much of what I have learnt can be applied to
bring a satisfactory solution to certain situations, which arise
during an auction sale.
How did you find studying whilst at work?
By studying for the Technical Award whilst working at an
auction, I was able to understand the courses content and was able
to apply it to everyday auction situations.
Would you recommend the Technical Award in Chattels
Auctioneering?
I would recommend the NFOPP Technical Award in Chattels
Auctioneering to anyone working in the trade who has a basic
knowledge of the behind the scenes operation of a saleroom, and who
wishes to gain a better understanding of the law and rights
involved.
What was your favourite topic of the course?
One topic I particularly enjoyed studying, perhaps surprisingly,
was the law of Agency. I felt that this was especially applicable
to my work and helped me to better understand the legal role
played by an Auctioneer.
What was the most challenging area of the course?
I found studying the laws behind stolen property and conversion
particularly challenging due to the complexity of the
situations which may or may not arise. However, looking at the
topic in depth has really helped me to grasp the legal
implications for an auctioneer.
What did you think of the learning materials provided? Do you
still use them at work as a reference guide?
The MOL learning materials have been
extremely valuable for reference purposes, and more than
once I have found myself turning to them for help.
How did you find the examinations?
The examinations themselves, while challenging, were conducted
in a straightforward manner with a minimum of hassle. The centre I
used was easy to book and very accessible.
Will you be taking any further NFOPP qualifications? And if so
why?
Although I am not currently planning to commit myself to other
NFOPP qualifications, I may wish to study the NFOPP Technical Award
in Property Auctioneering at some point in the future.
If someone was thinking about taking the Technical Award in
Chattels Auctioneering what would you say to them?
I would encourage anyone looking into the Technical Award to go
ahead and take it. The material on offer has proved invaluable
for real life auction scenarios, and shows a desire for
professionalism and excellence from a willing auctioneer.
Do you feel more confident within your position now that you
have passed the course?
Having taken the award, I feel more confident conducting a sale
by auction and hopefully, I provide a more efficient and
professional service to my clients.
Do you think that the course provided value for money?
The learning resources and qualification obtained at such a
low cost, really make this course a very inviting
opportunity.
About Matthew:
Matthew began working in auctioneering at Bedford Auction Centre
at 13 years old, spending Saturdays 'running sheets' and carrying
out other general duties. As soon as he left full time education,
he joined W&H Peacock Auctioneers & Valuers as a Porter and
Clerk.
In early April 2010, Matthew carried out his first auction
selling 40 lots of bicycles. He first auction lot however, was a
pallet of Spongebob Squarepants hanging units!
Shortly after he began auctioneering on a regular basis, he
decided to undertake the NFOPP Technical Award in Chattels
Auctioneering to cement his knowledge base on the law governing
auction sales.
Since then Matthew has sold in various sales, developing his
auctioneering style and has recently become a member of NAVA.
Looking to the future, he would like to become more involved
with 20th century design auctions, which are of personal
interest to him.
The NFOPP Technical Award in Chattels Auctioneering:
If you, like Matthew want to gain a nationally recognised
qualification to help you become more confident within your
workplace and demonstrate to colleagues and clients alike that you
have a desire to be a professional auctioneer - this qualification
is for you.
For those who work in Property Auctioneering, an NFOPP Technical
Award in Property Auctioneering is available.
To purchase the learning materials or to find out further
information, contact MOL on 0161 206 2103 or visit www.nava.org.uk/qualifications.