Financial Planner and wealth manager AFH’s programme to help former members of the Armed Forces train to become IFAs has got off to a successful start, with the Ministry of Defence awarding it the Armed Forces Covenant bronze award.

The programme offers former service personnel a 12-month training programme, including on-the-job training in key teams and study leading to a level 4 diploma in Financial Planning.

At the end of that time they will have a 6-month mentoring programme to help with the transition into their new role.

Alongside this programme, AFH will support the employment of service and veterans’ partners.

AFH head of business development, Dawn Walker-Bennett, who led the development of the programme, said: “With fewer people coming in to the business, and fewer training opportunities around, we needed to find new ways to attract new blood into our business.

“Those who’ve served in the forces share many core values with AFH, including integrity, trustworthiness and an innovative, problem-solving attitude.

“They also have experience that we sometimes struggle to find elsewhere.”

Ms Walker-Bennett worked with the Officers’ Association and the White Ensign Association, both of which offer advice and support to Army, Marine and Royal Navy personnel and veterans, including help with finding employment in ‘civvy street.’

AFH is an official sponsor of WEA.

AFH IFA Steve Thurlby, formerly with the Royal Anglian Regiment, said the programme would be “a welcome addition to the support leaving service personnel receive.”

He added: “When you finish, you leave behind a very structured environment, so a clearly set-out programme like this will be very attractive.

“And the flexibility the programme offers will help colleagues with their transition.

“I’d certainly recommend it to any friends who are looking at financial services for their post-forces career.”

Ms Walker-Bennett andMr Thurlby will introduce the campaign to service personnel at an Officers' Association event in London next Monday, with an insight day for veterans at AFH House planned for early next year.