New research for Openwork has revealed a rise in the number of people considering a career in financial advice in response to growing demand for support.

Its nationwide study shows nearly six out of 10 adults (59%) would consider a career as a financial adviser – a sharp increase on the 45% who were interested in an advice career when Openwork last research the subject in March 2019.

The research shows found that over half of women surveyed said they would consider a career as an adviser (54%) but careers in advice remain more popular among men with 65% looking at become advisers.

66% of 18-24-year olds would be interested in pursuing a career in advice. However, more than a quarter of all adults surveyed (27%) and 22% of 18–24-year olds said that becoming an adviser is dependent on whether training support was available.

Claire Limon, director of learning and acquisition at Openwork, said: “With the demand for advisers increasing, it is reassuring that more and more people are considering the move and that its attractiveness as a career has only grown.

“However, our research found training support is vital. At Openwork we are focused on the importance of providing on the job training and continuous professional development.

“We continue to invest heavily in our Academy, which has enrolled more than 400 candidates since launching in October 2014, seeking to attract a diverse talent pool of all ages and backgrounds, particularly women – the average age of candidates currently participating within our Academy is 34 and 38% are female.

“In 2019 we were delighted to appoint a further 114 candidates into advice roles, providing our clients with more access to the guidance and direction they require.  As their journey progresses, our candidates continue to develop the key skills, knowledge and appropriate behaviours to become the advisers of the future and to deliver excellent client service and financial advice.”