School leavers wishing to start their careers in Financial Planning are one of the target groups for a new academy.

Ascot Lloyd, a national advisory firm specialising in Financial Planning and wealth management, is launching the Adviser Academy.

The company stated: “Adviser Academy is aimed at individuals from various backgrounds who are returning to the job market, looking for a career change, or have recently left school and wish to start their careers in Financial Planning.”

The firm will provide the trainee adviser with an “intensive training programme” lasting up to 2.5 years. The aim is for them to achieve the necessary qualifications and skills required to become a fully qualified adviser.

Ascot Lloyd pledged that once the training programme has been completed, it will fully support trainees to continue their personal development and achieve Chartered status.

Richard Dunbabin, chief executive, Ascot Lloyd said: “We are looking for individuals who have the potential to develop into the financial advisers that today’s challenging financial landscape calls for.

“Industry regulation has driven significant consolidation accompanied by improved professional standards, and we will look for the high calibre candidates that have the ability to thrive in the new world of financial advice.

“This project is an exciting development for Ascot Lloyd and underlines our commitment to bringing new blood into the industry and training the next generation of IFAs.

“It will enable us to deliver a better service to our clients by expanding the skills base of our staff, while meeting growing demand for independent financial advice.”

After an initial telephone interview, shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend the first assessment day at Ascot Lloyd’s London office on 1 March.