Financial Planner Ben Slater joined Midlands financial services firm, The RU Group, from college in 2013 as an apprentice.
Aged just 18 Mr Slater began a professional development journey which enabled him to obtain the necessary qualifications whilst also benefitting from practical, on the job, training.
Starting in client servicing administration and working for the last few years as a Paraplanner, he has now achieved his ambition of becoming a Chartered Financial Planner by the age of 23.
Based at The RU Group’s headquarters at ng2 Business Park, in Nottingham, Mr Slater has been worked to achieve a string of qualifications and accolades, including the ‘Award in Financial Administration’ in 2016, the ‘Diploma in Financial Planning’, as well as being awarded the CII’s Diploma in Financial Planning.
In 2018, he received the ‘High Achiever of the Year’ award from the CII with Nottingham Institute president Juliet Williams saying of Mr Slater: “His cashflow planning is second to none in the company and his technical understanding allows him to pass on key knowledge to his colleagues.
“There is no doubt that Ben will soon be one of the industry’s youngest Chartered Financial Planners.”
Ian Browne, head of advice for The RU Group, said: “Ben’s positive attitude and commitment since he joined us as an apprentice has made him a real asset to our team and a great role model.
“The culture of learning within The RU Group inspires everyone to be the best we can in our roles and we are immensely proud of everything he’s achieved.
“Apprenticeships within the financial services sector are often overlooked, but Ben’s success shows that it is possible to thrive within the sector without a degree.”