The first group of candidates has embarked on Openwork's study programme to encourage mortgage advisers into wealth advice.
The Route to Wealth programme was launched in September to allow mortgage advisers to provide holistic financial planning, including on pensions and investment.
The training programme, which is expected to last just under two years, is provided for nominated candidates with all costs reimbursed by Openwork.
This first intake began the programme in January and is made up of 13 candidates based in London with an average age of 39-years-old.
A second intake from in and around Belfast will start the programme in April, with a third, focussing on advisers from the north east of England, scheduled for the end of the second quarter of 2018.
John Cupis, mortgages director at Openwork, said: "Having announced the launch of Route to Wealth towards the end of last year, we are excited that it is now underway, with 13 Openwork mortgage advisers enrolled and more due to begin the programme in the coming months.
"Interest from advisers has been high. Many consumers will be introduced to financial advice when they buy their first property with the help of a mortgage adviser.
"If that mortgage adviser is able to advise on pensions and investments too, this will provide a continuity of service for clients as their financial needs evolve in later life and into retirement.
"Route to Wealth will go a long way to ensuring that our advisers are equipped to provide holistic advice suitable for the full range of client circumstances and support their clients throughout their lifetime."
Openwork Limited has more than 3,600 financial advisers in its network across the UK and has £6bn under management as of January.
damian.fantato@ft.com
