There has been a sharp rise in the number agents taking part in virtual training courses during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Propertymark.

The trade body is among another of organisations that have implemented a new platform allowing for courses to be delivered for the virtual world.

This move has proven hugely popular among a number of agents by allowing access for those who could not previously travel to metropolitan cities to attend.

Propertymark says it held 146 virtual courses in 2020 and total attendance was almost 3,000 – the average course size being 18 participants.

Some 395 members joined courses in January 2021, compared to 240 the previous year, with ‘anti-money laundering’ and ‘property photography’ among some of the most popular courses.

The ‘Introduction to Commercial Property Management’ course also proved popular, along with ‘Letting and Property Management for Senior Agents’.

Given the existing social restrictions, Propertymark plans to deliver 282 courses in 2021, a 42% increase from last year.

Tim Balcon, CEO, Propertymark said: “Despite the ongoing challenges of Covid-19, balancing work, home lives and uncertainty around lockdowns, we have seen agents’ appetite for professional development grow in the last year with agents attending more courses than ever before. Moving to virtual sessions has really democratised the process of learning for everyone, allowing access to training and new skills to thousands more agents.

“Propertymark is dedicated to raising standards across the industry and despite this being a busy period for the sector, it’s encouraging to see agents using their time to upskill on everything from anti-money laundering to consumer protection regulations and property photography. As we engage with our members we are able to see where they would benefit most from training which is why we’re delivering even more courses in 2021 and are creating specific courses on areas that they will value.”