Just Mortgages is offering face-to-face and remote training sessions for those wanting to become mortgage and protection advisers.
Its new business, called Just Learning, aims to offer individuals a route into the mortgage industry with a mix of training opportunities designed for people working towards a Cemap 1 qualification.
The two week course will see participants guided through their Cemap 1 qualification and will provide them with sales skills and client management training.
Focusing on “real world” skills, individuals will also be taught a range of practical skills, including how to obtain and retain clients, creating rapport and understanding and satisfying client’s needs.
The financial services industry has not always been great at attracting new bloodRodney Sloan, Just MortgagesRodney Sloan, head of training for Just Mortgages, said: “The financial services industry has not always been great at attracting new blood, but we aim to change this by offering a route to a new career and not just a new qualification.
“The Cemap 1 qualification is of course the bedrock of a new adviser’s career, but often the newly qualified have a shiny new certificate on the wall but no idea what to do next or how to attract clients.
“One of the key outputs of Just Learning is that participants will graduate not just with theoretical knowledge but practical skills to set up and thrive in their new career.”
Unlike other training routes, individuals can sign up to the course directly and do not have to undergo an application process for limited places on an in-house training programme.
Costing £750 plus Vat, the course can be taken in a block or split up, depending on the individual’s needs.
Those who graduate will be offered an interview with a sales manager to discuss joining Just Mortgages on an employed or self-employed basis.
But some were sceptical about the new offering.
Lewis Shaw, mortgage, protection and equity release adviser and owner of Shaw Financial Services told FTAdviser he was unsure where the Just Learning offer sits in the market.
He said: “There are already excellent training courses available for anyone wanting to join the industry.
“Two notable providers are New Leaf Distribution who I did my training with, which was funded by the Armed Forces as part of my resettlement package. New Leaf now offer Cemap training for free, and they have a great track record in getting people through the exams.
"The second provider I've had experience of was Simply Academy who offer both online and in-person training, again fantastic resources and a great track record. So, I'm not particularly sure where the Just Mortgages offering really sits.”
Shaw also questioned the inclusion of sales skills in the offering: “No one needs any sales skills at all. If you listen to a customer's circumstances, do the best by them to the best of your ability, what do you need to sell?”
jane.matthews@ft.com
