A Greenfield Park local and grandmother-of-eight has credited TAFE NSW with helping her to explore her passion for property, after retiring from a 40-year career in the public service. 

81-year-old Virgita de Leon recently completed a Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice at TAFE NSW Ultimo, with plans to put her new skills to use by helping her grandchildren get onto the property ladder and gain her real estate agent license in future. 

“I’ve always had a passion for property investment and like to challenge myself, so when I retired I decided to take the plunge and enrol in the Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice,” Ms de Leon said. 

“I never felt out of place in the classroom, and the support from my teachers and classmates was invaluable. The course provided me with useful property knowledge and writing skills and has enhanced my overall mental capacity. 

“My grandchildren often come to me for advice on investing and buying property, and now that I have completed the course I’ve been able to provide them with valuable advice and apply it to my own life as well.  

“When my family found out I was enrolling in the course, they were shocked and told me I was too old to be studying, but the experience has been life-changing and has made me feel young again.  

“It’s never too late to follow your passion and I hope I can show that age does not matter when it comes to studying or achieving your goals. It’s so important to keep your mind active and gain new skills, even if you are the oldest in the class.” 

Real Estate Head Teacher Ray Dimarco said the nationally recognised Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice provides students like Virgita with useful practical and theoretical skills in the booming real estate industry.  

“The Certificate IV in in Real Estate Practice provides students valuable knowledge in appraising property for sale or lease, building relationships with vendors, buyers, tenants and landlords, and managing and ending tenancies,” Mr Dimarco said. 

“The course also qualifies students to apply for their Class 2 real estate agent license once completing a full time 12 months’ work experience period. This will equip them with the skills they need to sell, lease and manage properties, present at tribunals, and act as a buyer’s agent.” 

Media contact: Emma Woodward, Communications Specialist, 0409 618 291, emma.woodward15@tafensw.edu.au