The academy launch follows calls for more training in the sector. Brokers at the Mortgage Solutions Accord Supper Club in Birmingham earlier this month highlighted the problems of recruiting new brokers.
While there was recognition of the importance of regulatory exams, many felt it was too onerous from the beginning for someone who was only going to be in one sector of financial services.
Combining this with the prospect of six-months to be trained and pass exams, largely without pay, proved too big a barrier for most people.
“Why would we pay somebody for six months who might pass those exams, who might come on board? Why would we do that?” said one broker.
The Just Mortgages academy follows two successful pilots earlier in the year. The series of four-week courses will introduce people to the basics of mortgages and protection and take them through to complete their CeMap One qualification.
After that they can carry on to more comprehensive training by Openwork. The aim is to put at least 25 people through the courses this year.
The first course begins on the 15 June and training courses will be held around the country in Bristol, Cardiff, Bedford, London and Sheffield. They cater to people already working in the industry who wish to become fully-fledged mortgage advisers, as well as new entrants.
John Phillips (pictured), group operations director for Just Mortgages and Spicerhaart said: “Look around any room of mortgage brokers and you’ll see the average age tends to be somewhere in the 50s. It is essential that we bring some new blood into the industry to take the profession forward, or in ten years’ time we will be facing a woeful shortage of advisers.
“The industry as a whole needs to up its game, but Just Mortgages is determined to lead the charge and play its part by setting up these training academies. The initial plan is for four academies this year, but we will expand on this if the demand is there.”
Those interest in applying can contact Catrin.Lloyd-Brown@justmortgages.co.uk.
