Since launching, in 2016, the academy has expanded across Scotland and Northern Ireland, spreading across the locations of Glasgow, Aberdeen, Newcastle and Belfast.

The Edinburgh branch has run six programmes to date with the final one yielding the 100th adviser, in what the firm called “a great milestone”.

So far 35% of candidates have come from other careers with most having no financial services experience.

SJP says the academy’s growth has been aided by a series of successful open evening events, which were held regularly across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

These informal events provided guests with an opportunity to find out more about what the academy offers to people looking to change careers, while also enabling them to speak to academy graduates.

Most graduates now run their own businesses as a St. James’s Place Partner while others have joined an established St. James’s Place Practice as an adviser.
 
An SJP spokesman said: “The Edinburgh Academy is always looking for talented individuals to join its career-change programme.

“The next training programme commences June 2019 so if you, or someone you know, might be interested in finding out more or applying, please visit our website.”