The group regulatory director of Perspective said 19-year-old Bradford University student Millan Narine will spend the summer at subsidiary Harrogate Financial Solutions as part of an internship programme run in conjunction with the university and the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Mr Narine was chosen from a number of first-year students studying a bachelor of science degree in financial planning at Bradford University School of Management. The four-year course includes short-term internships and year-long industry placements with businesses operating in the financial sector.
Firms which take on students can also benefit from the exemptions graduates obtain from particular units in the professional qualifications required for advisers to practice.
Ms Hepworth said: “Our goal is to support new entrants to the industry and, ultimately, to look to employ and develop new trainee financial planners.”
Paul Smith, director of Harrogate Financial Solutions, said: “The calibre of candidates from the university’s financial planning course is very high but Mr Narine demonstrated both great enthusiasm for becoming a financial adviser as well as insight from his course and the ability to show clients how financial advice can help them.”
Mr Narine will be the third intern taken on by the firm. Elaine Dean, business co-ordinator for the school of management, said internships and placements in industry gave students “experience, skills and increased employability”.
Caspar Bartington, relationship manager for further and higher education for the CII, said: “Internships with firms are essential for the financial planning sector to nurture new talent in a profession that has undergone seismic change and requires a fresh intake of well-qualified professionals to ensure the public continues to have access to sound financial advice.”
Adviser View
Steve Riddiough, director of Cheshire-based financial planning firm The Chester Partnership, said: “We have to attract new blood to the profession and initiatives like these are great opportunities to create the next generation of modern, professional advisers.
“Given the right support and development, including back-office experience, they can create good quality advisers. I have just signed off two trainee advisers through Sesame’s Financial Adviser School, and in 30 years of advising have never seen anyone as well prepared.”
