Openwork has launched its Academy Fast Track programme to encourage people with no significant financial services experience to enter the financial advice profession as a second career.

There are 10 candidates in the first training intake, including a mother of three returning to work having previously been in sales, a former England youth rugby player, a PhD holder and a qualified chef.

Through the Academy Fast Track, Openwork member firms can bring individuals into their business and develop them into a fully-qualified adviser.

Restricted adviser Openwork is one of the UK’s largest financial services network with over 3,600 financial advisers. It operates as a directly authorised, multi-panel distribution network and has £7.75bn under management, £5.5bn of which is invested in the range of funds offered through its investment arm, Omnis Investments.

The training will involve courses, study days, CII exams, development workshops, knowledge and skills training and practical experience gained by working at sponsor firms. 



On completion of the programme, candidates will possess a recognised industry qualification and be a wealth adviser.

It is anticipated they will achieve their licence to advise within six months and reach diploma level in 12 months, with the training part-funded by Openwork. 



Mike Morrow, wealth and platform director, at Openwork, said: “Openwork is committed to expanding the capacity of our member firms and making sure they are better able to service the significant unmet need for financial advice.



“The Academy Fast Track will provide participating member firms with conscientious, newly-qualified advisers with outside experience, whilst offering the selected candidates excellent career prospects in the financial advice industry.”