apart are the knowledge, skills and behaviours sessions built into the programme,” she says.“ That’ s everything from understanding the role of an adviser, to understanding research tools and technology, the use of AI in an advisory role, and even looking at things like ESG considerations. It’ s about the reality of being an adviser, not just passing exams, but being able to do the job.”
This structured approach ensures learners develop both technical competence and practical confidence, helping them integrate more effectively from day one.
A commitment from both sides
However, success does not come without commitment, from both learner and firm.
“ We can help with everything from finding candidates, carrying out background checks, the apprenticeship training itself and CAS sign off support; the full journey,” supports longer-term business continuity, helping firms look beyond immediate needs and plan for the future with greater confidence.
End-to-end support in practice
A key differentiator of The Academy is the breadth of support provided across the entire learner’ s journey. From recruitment, including access to initiatives such as Future Financial Adviser, through to onboarding, training and beyond, firms are supported at every stage.
“ We can help with everything from finding candidates, carrying out background checks, the apprenticeship training itself and CAS sign off support; the full journey,” Jill explains.
Apprenticeships require at least 20 % of working time to be dedicated to training and development, something Jill acknowledges can initially give firms pause.
“ There’ s always that question of,‘ we’ re losing 20 % of an employee’ s time, how does that work?’” she says.“ But it’ s about taking a longer-term view, and looking forward. Where does this individual get to, how much more value can they add to the business, and in essence what does that mean for the business in the future?”
Firms are also required to appoint a mentor and remain actively involved throughout the process, ensuring learners are supported and kept on track.
“ It’ s a significant commitment, it’ s a lot of hard work and studying.” Jill adds.“ That’ s why we have those upfront conversations. It has to be right for both the individual and the business.”
What does success look like?
Ultimately, success will look different for every firm, but the outcomes share common themes.
“ For some, it’ s about having more qualified, competent staff,” says Jill.“ For others, it’ s becoming a more attractive employer with structured career paths. And for many, it links directly to succession planning.”
By enabling firms to develop talent, The Academy
Early feedback
Although still in its early stages, feedback from firms has been overwhelmingly positive.
“ The biggest thing we’ re hearing is:‘ this has come at exactly the right time’,” Jill says.“ People are asking‘ how soon can we start?’ There’ s been a lot of interest and I believe we ' ve not even scratched the surface with it yet.”
For Jill, that response reinforces the importance of what The Academy is aiming to achieve, not just for individual firms but for the wider industry.
“ It’ s incredibly satisfying to know what kind of impact we can make in the industry and for our member firms” she says.
Looking ahead
While The Academy is still evolving, its role in helping firms address long-term challenges is already becoming clear.
For Simplybiz, the ambition is not just to support firms today, but to help shape a more sustainable future for financial advice. That includes continuing to develop the proposition to support advisers beyond initial qualification.
“ We ' re not stopping at just people going on these apprenticeships. As part of The Academy, we want
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