AN estate agent has launched up to 15 new apprenticeship opportunities across the south.

Countrywide’s initiative comes after the success of one of its apprentices from Totton who this summer beat about 50 negotiators in the area to be crowned the firm’s top negotiator.

Josh Rankin, 17, also won an award for booking the most mortgage appointments in a three-month period, organising up to 37 attended appointments a month.

The youngster started his 15-month apprenticeship with the Totton branch of Countrywide and training provider Positive Outcomes in February.

Josh said: “Before undertaking the Positive Outcomes apprenticeship I was pretty set on going to university but I had a sudden change of mind.

“I didn’t want to commit three years to university and to one subject area when I didn’t even have a specific career in mind.

“I saw the apprenticeship and decided that it would give me valuable business experience and skills.

“This is exactly what it has done – I can enjoy the challenge of selling and negotiating house prices with Pete my training advisor on hand to support me every step of the way.”

Pete Middleton, from Positive Outcomes, said: “I could see Josh had potential when I first met him. He’s very competitive, plus he has a good work ethic. He just needed developing and nurturing.

"Now he’s developed business skills that will be great for a career in property or any other business environment he wishes to work in, in the future.”

There are currently more than 100 apprenticeship vacancies available through Positive Outcomes across a range of sectors such as IT, business administration, customer services, retail and property, including 10 to 15 vacancies at Countrywide.

The training provider reports that 90 per cent of its apprentices go on to secure a permanent role after completing their qualifications.

For more information about Positive Outcomes apprenticeships call 0845 643 5566 or visit paidtolearn.co.uk.