The NACFB has announced its first ever apprenticeship scheme in partnership with Hitachi Capital Business Finance.

The scheme will provide training and enable the apprentice, post-training, to establish themselves as an independent broker.

Adam Tyler, chief executive of the NACFB, said: “We recognise at the NACFB, that there is a need for young talent to come through, the average age of our commercial finance brokers is increasing and we need to invest in new talent for the future. The cost of training can be prohibitive, so being able to finance a talented individual is something we are proud to be able to offer.”

A panel, with representatives from both the NACFB and Hitachi Capital Business Finance will interview prospective candidates to ensure impartiality.

Hitachi Capital Business Finance will cover the cost of the training for a 12 month period which will include six months in-house position at Hitachi Capital Business Finance’s office in Staines and six months with a commercial finance broker. This will be supplemented with day release sessions on a regular basis with the NACFB in London.

The two organisations say that, at the end of the training programme, the individual will be equipped with the necessary skills to set up their own business, or join an existing brokerage at an experienced level.
 
Gavin Wraith-Carter, general manager at Hitachi Capital Business Finance, said: “We are committed to investing in apprentices and are excited to have the opportunity to further invest in the development of new talent for the broker marketplace. We have ensured the best training programme possible at a time when technology is changing the way brokers manage their business to deliver the specific skills this role requires.

“With insight from a funder, a broker and with continual hands on support from our industry body, this individual will receive an exceptional start to a career within the asset finance market. It is vital we continue to support apprenticeships and hope the industry will continue to get behind the serious talent coming through.”