St James’s Place has announced the expansion of its financial adviser academy programme to Edinburgh to attract candidates from Scotland, the North East and Northern Ireland.
The academy, which has already been set up in London, Manchester and Solihull, will offer individuals with no previous industry experience the opportunity to take part in a two-year programme with the prospect of becoming wealth managers within the firm.
The first intake will begin in February next year following interviews for candidates starting this month.
Open evenings will take place in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast, where interested applicants can obtain further insight into the academy and meet graduates who have embarked on the two-year programme.
Adrian Batchelor, academy director said: “The opening of Edinburgh demonstrates the success of the St James’s Place Academies to date. Edinburgh was chosen to further extend our regional coverage and create greater opportunities throughout the North East and Scotland.
“I would encourage anyone who is thinking of a career change to consider the opportunities the academy has to offer, which include being in control of your own business and work/life balance.”
Adviser view
Ray Galt, director of Glasgow-based Macarthur Denton Asset Management, said: “The concept sounds fine – we do need new blood in the industry. However, I would be slightly worried about what would be taught because St James’s Place operates on a restricted model.”
