Recently rebranded Air has now introduced its new-look Air Academy.

Its training programme accredited by the London Institute of Banking and Finance provides eight learning modules designed to upskill and support advisers operating in the later life lending arena.

The Academy is designed to provide advisers with the “highest quality” insight, support and content. All modules are accredited by the London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF) and aligned to the Equity Release Council’s Competency Framework.

Once advisers have successfully completed the programme they will earn accredited status and gain permission to display an ‘Accredited Later Life Lending Professional’ digital badge to promote their later life credentials. This platform is designed to aid continuous professional development and to retain their accredited status, they will be expected to complete further training on an annual basis to ensure that they remain on top of what is happening in the industry.

Alongside developing an adviser’s understanding of the later life market and achieving accreditation, those who complete the courses will also be able to access exclusive products from lenders.

The Air Academy consists of the following eight new learning modules:

• The Industry
• The Later Life Lending Market
• The Client – Meeting Client Needs
• Soft Skills
• The Later Life Lending Products
• The Later Life Lending Process
• Later Life Lending in the Broader Context
• Building a Client Proposition

Stuart Wilson, CEO at Air, said: “With the later life lending industry rapidly developing and changing, advisers are more focused than ever on building their skill set and understanding how they can best support their customers.

“We are therefore delighted to unveil the new look Air Academy which is designed to be the training platform for advisers wishing to hone their skills in this market. Underpinned by advanced technology and knowledgeable experts and alighted to the Equity Release Council’s Competency framework, it provides advisers access to eight LIBF-accredited learning modules covering a range of critical later life lending areas.

“Those who complete this CPD training will be able to use the new ‘Accredited Later Life Lending Professional’ digital badge to highlight their expertise to customers as well as their commitment to the ongoing development of their skills. This is a first for the market and part of our commitment to helping our members.”

John Somerville, head of financial services at the London Institute of Banking & Finance, added: “LIBF are delighted to be working with Air to accredit their academy and to encourage advisers to keep learning throughout their careers. The new ‘Accredited Later Life Lending Professional’ badge will help to build further trust in the industry and to demonstrate the high standards and good practice that we all value.

“With the later-life lending market growing significantly over recent years, we’re finding many more advisers want to do more in this area. While the CeMAP and CeReR qualifications are essential foundations for a mortgage career, its vital advisers keep learning and honing their skills as new approaches, products and ideas enter the market.”