Apprentices follow an approved study programme leading to a recognised industry qualification, such as Level 4 Diploma, along with developing the necessary business skills and behaviours for the role. The apprenticeship scheme is available to firms based in England across a variety of roles, including financial advisers, paraplanners, mortgage advisers and financial services administrators.
Lisa Winnard, Group People & Service Director at SBG, said:
“Apprenticeships are growing in popularity as an effective and cost-efficient solution for ambitious advisory firms who want to develop their people and bring new advisers on board. We’re delighted to be partnering with Simply Academy, who are a leading apprenticeship provider with more than 10 years’ knowledge and experience in this specialist area. Combining our expertise and reach through this structured programme will open up a valuable new training and development avenue for mortgage, protection and wealth firms across Sesame, Bankhall and PMS.”
Mark Fenwick, Head of Apprenticeships at Simply Academy, said:
“We are really excited to be working in partnership with firms across Sesame, Bankhall and PMS on their staff development, growth and succession planning. The industry improvements we have seen over recent years has led to a step change in financial apprenticeship standards. We want to help advisory firms to understand the opportunities this has created, along with just how cost-effective the apprenticeship route can be and the government funding that’s available for firms based in England. In addition, each apprenticeship scheme is tailored to the needs of the individual advisory firm, so there is a solution for everyone.”
One of the advisory firms that’s been working with SBG and also benefiting from the apprenticeship programme with Simply Academy is The Mortgage Ladder in Hertfordshire. Director, Neil Selby, commented:
“We’ve found that regular and structured assessment and feedback is extremely beneficial. It gives us the opportunity to have detailed discussions, give and receive feedback, and ultimately keep a close eye on progress.”
