Become a world-class adviser
Gain qualifications, advisory experience and confidence in a structured, supportive environment.
Our Academy programme has been carefully crafted to engage and challenge you through a blend of digital, live and practical learning opportunities which draws on expertise and experience from within our internal community of specialists and insight from leaders in other sectors. This is a full-time programme, fully funded by St. James’s Place, that requires your commitment.
Whether you are new to advice, or already qualified, our Academy is designed to train, support and develop you to take the next step towards becoming a financial adviser.
What are the key stages of the Academy?
Gain the core technical knowledge you need to become a successful financial adviser. This is a 3-month term that includes on-demand learning, as well as face-to-face support designed to help you complete your financial advice qualification. If you already hold a Level 4 Financial Advice qualification, you’ll start on Term 2.
What you’re going to do: To give advice in the UK, you are required to hold a Level 4 Financial Advice qualification and achieve Competent Adviser Status (CAS). We work with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), to provide you with their Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (DipPFS), which is made up of six exams.
For those that are already qualified, you will start your Academy journey here.
A 9-week term where you will build on your technical knowledge to develop the skills needed to successfully deliver advice to clients, learning how to achieve sustainable business performance and growth.
What you’re going to do: Access flexible learning, tailoring your development to your experience, knowledge, and confidence. Blend personal growth with commercial skills, and continuously practise, test, and refine your expertise along the way.
During Term 3, you’ll develop your financial advice skills.
This is a 3-to-6-month term where you will start advising clients and demonstrate you are able to provide advice in a competent manner. Here you will experience workplace learning, delivered via structured development, observations and shadowing as you meet clients for the first-time.
What you’re going to do: Build specialist skills and develop mastery as a practising advice professional. Meet clients under supervision, working towards Competent Adviser Status. Gain expertise in advice, client acquisition, commercial skills, and business growth — with opportunities to grow your own client base.
After Term 3, you will establish a sustainable business and successfully graduate from the Academy. You’ll receive practical, hands-on learning alongside tailored classes to support your continued development.
Once you have completed all the key stages, your hard work will be recognised with your peers at a Graduation ceremony. Watch the highlights from the recent event.