More 16 to 18-year-old women are showing an interest in the Financial Planning profession as a career option, according to national Financial Planning firm Progeny.

The Chartered Financial Planning firm hosted its second annual summer school programme earlier this month and noted that there was more interest from women this year than previous years.

The programme hosted 13 students, nearly half of whom were young women, up from a quarter in 2022.

The summer school is designed to give students an insight into roles within the financial services sector and includes sessions on the advice process, Paraplanning, investment management, and cybercrime.

Sarika Dhanjal, head of compliance and policy at Progeny, said: "After the success of our first summer school last year, Progeny has committed to making this an annual event. Financial services still lacks visibility as a career option for students and I'm so pleased that this year's programme also attracted more young women, as one of the aims was to showcase our sector as a great place for female talent.

"Once again, we've all been greatly impressed by the attitude and ability of the young people who took part and it's a week from which I feel the team here and the students all gained equally. Two of the attendees have already asked to come back to Progeny for work experience."

Running from 7 to 11 August, the programme was designed to help inform students' decisions on a future career and overcome some of the traditional stereotypes that can exist about working in financial services.

Progeny is a Chartered Financial Planner and professional services firm with 600 employees in 23 offices in the UK, Europe, Middle East and Asia. It holds Corporate Chartered status from the Chartered Insurance Institute.

• Our Annual Financial Planning Profession Survey 2023 is now open so please take a little time to take part and share your views on the profession. We will be publishing highlights of the results in September and it's great opportunity to tell us how your firm is doing and to comment on key Financial Planning topics. There's also the bonus of a prize draw to win one of five £50 M&S vouchers. More details here and a link to the survey: Financial Planning Profession Survey