The Society of Mortgage Professionals has helped facilitate a new scheme to establish a mortgage adviser apprenticeship programme.

Developed by an industry employer steering group and supported by CII, the ifs University College and the Chartered Institute of Bankers, it will enable new or existing staff to work towards a professional qualification whiledeveloping into a fully competent mortgage adviser, over a 12-18 month work-based training programme.

The scheme’s knowledge, skills and behaviour competencies have been designed to focus specifically on the mortgage adviser role, with specialist apprenticeship training providers giving support and guidance to employers and apprentices throughout.

Gary Little, head of operations and membership at the Society of Mortgage Professionals, which was engaged as a sector consultant – heralded the scheme as a really long-overdue step forward.

He said: “We need to encourage people into our industry and provide them with the necessary framework to help them build a structured, benchmarked career.

“This professionally-recognised qualification will assist both existing advisers and attract high calibre candidates to succeed them in the future.

“Created to be easily administered by employers, it’s a fit for purpose, flexible, training programme designed by the sector, for the sector.”

The new mortgage adviser apprenticeship programme has received interim approval from the government, with final approval due later this month.

Due to be officially launched in October, it will be open to newcomers or existing staff at any age between 16 to 65. Further information can be obtained through the CII’s ‘discover risk’ campaign which helps connect employers & potential apprentices.