Benchmark Capital, the owner of several financial and Financial Planning firms, has launched an academy to train the next generation of Chartered Financial Planners.

The first 26 candidates joined last week.

The academy will have pathways for advisers, administrators and Paraplanners.

The training will be offered through a blend of online learning, digital support and live or virtual training.

It aims to go beyond standard qualifications, with a focus on developing the professional skills required to operate in the Financial Planning profession. It will include a focus on client relationship and service skills.

The academy will initially focus on the 150 advice firms Benchmark already works with.

Benchmark has partnered with training specialists Redmill Advance to offer the blended learning solutions.

The training programmes for Chartered qualification can be completed in 52 weeks.

Ed Dymott, managing director wealth at Benchmark, said:  “We are passionate about attracting and developing the very best talent into our profession and we hope that this programme will help to create a rich, diverse and inclusive group of individuals who will be the future leaders in financial advice"

Benchmark joined global investment manager Schroders in 2016.