From Real Estate to Education: The Journey Behind Elite Edge Real Estate Training

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April 6, 2025

7 min read

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For many, a career in real estate is about sales and marketing, transactions, and market trends. But for me, it has been much more. It’s been a lifelong passion that has evolved into a mission to educate and empower the next generation of property professionals.

This journey, which began in my early 20’s, has led to the creation of Elite Edge Real Estate Training, a project that took 18 months of dedication and became a reality in December 2024 when I was awarded my RTO accreditation by ASQA, an achievement that required navigating a complex and rigorous approval process.

My Journey: From Real Estate to Education

I entered the real estate industry at the age of 22, starting my career with LJ Hooker before moving on to Jones Lang LaSalle and other boutique real estate agencies. Over the years, I gained experience in various aspects of the property industry, from marketing, sales and leasing to property management and client relations.

While I loved working in the property industry, I found myself drawn to something even more fulfilling—helping others develop the skills and confidence to succeed in business. This realisation led me to take a step into education with TAFE in WA.  I further honed my expertise by working with several private RTOs, including REIWA, gaining valuable experience in real estate education and professional development.

Bridging My Two Passions: Real Estate & Education

I knew I wanted to combine my love for real estate and education, but creating a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) from scratch was no small feat. The process involved developing structured training programs, ensuring compliance with ASQA standards, and refining every detail to provide high-quality, industry-aligned education.

After months of planning, designing, and refining the courses, Elite Edge Real Estate Training was officially approved as an RTO—a milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter, not just for me, but for future real estate professionals looking to build their careers with practical, job-ready training.

The Vision of Elite Edge Real Estate Training

At Elite Edge, our goal is simple: to bridge the gap between education and real-world real estate practice. We don’t just want students to complete a course, we want them to walk away with the confidence, skills, and industry knowledge to thrive in the field.

Our programs focus on:
– Real-World Applications – Practical skills that prepare students for success in the industry.
– Expert-Led Training – Learning from seasoned professionals with firsthand industry experience.
– Flexible Learning Options – Designed to fit around work and family commitments.
– Career Progression – From entry-level Sales Registration to full real estate licensing for those looking to open their own agency.

Initially, our focus is on the Townsville and Far North Queensland (FNQ) market (where I live in this beautiful part of the world) ensuring we meet the needs of local professionals. Once established, we plan to expand across Queensland, helping more students access high-quality real estate education.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Real Estate Training

Building Elite Edge Real Estate Training has been an incredible journey—one that blends decades of industry experience with a deep commitment to education. As real estate continues to evolve, quality training will be the key to producing skilled, ethical, and knowledgeable professionals who can adapt and thrive in this fast-paced industry.

For those looking to start or advance their careers in real estate, I invite you to explore our training programs, connect with us, and take the first step toward a rewarding future in real estate.

Cathy Dalton | Chief Executive Officer
GradCertBus., DipAgMgt., CertIVRE., CertIVTAE., AssocDegAdvVocEd.

Are you ready to start your real estate journey?

Visit Elite Edge Real Estate Training to learn more about our courses and career pathways.

Let’s build the future of real estate—together.