LV= has started a Financial Services Apprenticeship Programme for customer service teams working within its life insurance and retirement solutions business.

The programme, which will be delivered in the firm’s Bournemouth, Exeter and Hitchin offices, is governed by the National Skills Academy for Financial Services (NSAFS).

The apprenticeship aims to develop employees’ technical financial services knowledge in their relevant area of business, and those studying will receive either one-to-one or group study sessions.

LV= says its programme is tailored to each individual office and its own requirements and claims this is the first time a NSAFS apprenticeship has been developed in this manner.

The apprenticeship takes 18 months and apprentices who complete the programme will be awarded a Certificate in Financial Services and a CII award in Financial Administration – equivalent to an NVQ level three.

“We are committed to investing in our current workforce to help them grow in their careers and we hope to attract more talent to LV= by giving people the opportunity to develop with us,” said Richard Rowney, LV= life and pensions managing director. “Offering this financial training also helps us to maintain a high standard of service.”

Nigel Benton, National Skills Academy Financial Services executive director added: “The National Skills Academy is delighted to be working with LV= on this exciting and valuable project. It really shows what can be achieved by committed partners working together.

“Everyone wins out of this and we are proud to have played our part in making it happen. We wish all of the candidates well in working to achieve their qualifications.”