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Representatives from the Wheeling Board of Realtors and West Virginia Northern Community College recently signed a memorandum of understanding to establish an Academy of Real Estate in West Virginia's Northern Panhandle, meeting the demand for qualified real estate personnel. The academy has an immediate start-up date.

The memorandum sets out the standards under which training real estate personnel in the Northern Panhandle will be completed.

According to Mike Koon, vice president for Workforce/Economic Development for the college, Northern and the Board of Realtors will jointly develop a workforce plan for the academy to train qualified realtors to work with brokers in the Northern Panhandle.

"Our delivery system will be designed with flexibility in mind so students can customize their goals and schedule," he said.

"The Board of Realtors will provide West Virginia Real Estate Commission-approved instructors appropriate for the real estate training needs," said Glenda Gasparine, executive director of the Wheeling Board of Realtors.

"The college appreciates the opportunity to formalize a working relationship with the Wheeling Board of Realtors," said Martin J. Olshinsky, president. The college's association with the academy will provide real estate professionals and those interested in the field an opportunity to start or enhance their careers by increasing their skills, knowledge and credibility.

The academy will provide students the following:

• Guaranteed sponsorship to sit for the West Virginia Real Estate exam

• Preparation for the 90-hour exam

• Introduction of the general concepts of the real estate profession

• Exploration of the educational opportunities in various real estate occupations

• An internship through which students can get a first-hand glimpse of the real estate business world and an opportunity to be more informed when entering the business

• Valuable classroom experience from a qualified instructor, as well as the opportunity to prepare anytime, anywhere, 24/7, year round, through accelerated classes

Financial aid may be available to eligible West Virginia students. For more information on the academy, contact Darryl Clausell at 304 214-8969.