Ms Monk, 26, graduated from Cardiff University five years ago, but wanted to become a financial adviser.
She said that going through national advisory firm Foster Denovo’s training academy had helped her to qualify as an adviser, and she is now studying for her QCF level six.
Ms Monk added: “Without the academy, I would not have qualified as an adviser. It has been invaluable and has offered me tremendous support.”
Paul Hurley, head of professional development and competence for Foster Denovo, said the firm believed it was important that it undertook a recruitment drive aimed at encouraging young people into the industry.
In addition to its own internal academy, the national advisory firm has also partnered with the University of Northampton, which offers a degree in financial services aimed at young people who want to work in retail financial services.
Speaking about the firm’s 2013 tie-up with the University of Nottingham, Mr Hurley added: “We were keen to create allegiances with a reputable educational institute to offer our support to youngsters, looking to develop a career in the financial advisory sector.”
Dr Lien Luu, senior lecturer and programme leader at the University of Northampton, said: “Through our partnership with Foster Denovo, we hope our financial services students will find a rewarding and lucrative career in financial planning or banking.”
Background
In March this year, the financial services industry backed National Apprenticeships Week, with the launch of initiatives to get younger people on board. Lee Travis, chief executive of the New Model Business Academy, part of support services group SimplyBiz, said the NMBA had taken a key role on a government steering group, which has designed a Trailblazer apprenticeship model for the financial sector.
