Sesame Bankhall Group launch apprenticeship scheme with Simply Academy

This is to help advisory firms across Sesame Network, PMS Mortgage Club and Bankhall to bolster their staff development and recruitment.

Sesame Bankhall Group launch apprenticeship scheme with Simply Academy

Sesame Bankhall Group (SBG) has launched an apprenticeship scheme in partnership with training and education specialists Simply Academy.

This is to help advisory firms across Sesame Network, PMS Mortgage Club and Bankhall to bolster their staff development and recruitment.

Lisa Winnard, group people and service director at SBG, said: “Apprenticeships are growing in popularity as an effective and cost-efficient solution for ambitious advisory firms who want to develop their people and bring new advisers on board.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Simply Academy, who are a leading apprenticeship provider with more than 10 years’ knowledge and experience in this specialist area.

“Combining our expertise and reach through this structured programme will open up a valuable new training and development avenue for mortgage, protection and wealth firms across Sesame, Bankhall and PMS.”

Apprentices follow an approved study programme leading to a recognised industry qualification, such as Level 4 Diploma, along with developing the necessary business skills and behaviours for the role.

The apprenticeship scheme is available to firms based in England across a variety of roles, including financial advisers, paraplanners, mortgage advisers and financial services administrators.

Martin Schultheiss, group managing director at SBG, added: “At SBG we exist to ensure that advisers remain at the absolute centre of all advice, and to achieve this it’s imperative that our profession builds a sustainable future by attracting and nurturing the next generation.

“Research has highlighted a future workforce that’s looking for flexibility, freedom, uncapped earning potential and an entrepreneurial flavour – all of which our industry can offer.

“We’re truly excited to be leaders in strengthening the adviser industry, so that consumers get the access to professional advice that they so desperately need.”

Mark Fenwick, head of apprenticeships at Simply Academy, said: “We are really excited to be working in partnership with firms across Sesame, Bankhall and PMS on their staff development, growth and succession planning.

“The industry improvements we have seen over recent years has led to a step change in financial apprenticeship standards.

“We want to help advisory firms to understand the opportunities this has created, along with just how cost-effective the apprenticeship route can be and the government funding that’s available for firms based in England.

“In addition, each apprenticeship scheme is tailored to the needs of the individual advisory firm, so there is a solution for everyone.”

One of the advisory firms that’s been working with SBG and also benefiting from the apprenticeship programme with Simply Academy isThe Mortgage Ladder in Hertfordshire.

Neil Selby, mortgage broker and owner of The Mortgage Ladder,said: “We’ve found that regular and structured assessment and feedback is extremely beneficial. It gives us the opportunity to have detailed discussions, give and receive feedback, and ultimately keep a close eye on progress.”