Advice network Openwork hopes 150 trainees will join its academy this year as it sets its sights on UK expansion.
Launched in 2014 the Openwork Academy saw a record intake of prospective advisers already this year, with 54 trainees joining the scheme - almost equalling the total intake of 57 recruits seen in 2018.
The network has also added two training centres in London and Newcastle to its existing Swindon centre.
The academy will have a further two intakes of trainees later this year as it pushes to increase access to financial advice across the country in "response to growing demand".
Of the most recent recruits 14 advisers are studying for mortgage qualifications and 40 are training for pensions and investment qualifications.
Earlier this year Openwork's wealth and platform director Mike Morrow called for greater diversity in the financial advice community and women made up 37 per cent of the latest intake at the academy.
Claire Limon, director of learning and acquisition at Openwork, highlighted the importance of attracting a diverse training pool when expanding the number of advisers in the UK.
She said: "The academy welcomes people from all walks of life to pursue a career in financial advice and the latest intake shows that."
According to Openwork the majority of graduates from its academy are career changers from sectors such as education, the armed forces and hospitality.
Ms Limon added: "The record intake to the Openwork Academy underlines our commitment to increase access to advice so more people across the UK can receive the expert help they need to create and protect wealth for themselves and their families.
"The financial advice market is set for an exciting period of growth as demand increases and we are delighted to welcome the latest intake to the academy and to maintain momentum throughout the coming years with more trainees at our new training centres."
rachel.addison@ft.com
