The programme will help participants gain the CeMAP 1 qualification and includes the provision of a comprehensive revision schedule and a week-long face-to-face course comprising all the necessary materials and training for taking the exam.
Participants will then attend a guaranteed interview with one of the firm’s sales managers. If they are successful, they will join its academy programme.
The existing academy programme at Just Mortgages – which is one of the largest mortgage brokerages in the UK – was launched in 2017 and caters to those who already have the CeMAP 1 qualification. Just Learning is intended to expand upon this initiative by supporting those with no qualifications or experience.
The firm said the academy “generates as many as 50 new advisers annually”, and this latest development is part of Just Mortgages’ 2025 goal to “bring new people into the industry” in the face of a dwindling UK adviser population.
Currently, Just Mortgages has in excess of 650 brokers nationwide across its employed and self-employed divisions. The participants who receive a guaranteed interview will be able to join the business to which they are best suited – whether joining a business principal from the self-employed division or as an adviser in an estate agency branch.
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Advisers have access to ongoing mentoring and support upon graduating from the academy, alongside the learning and development opportunities.
John Phillips, CEO of Just Mortgages and Spicerhaart, commented: “It’s no secret that adviser numbers are only getting smaller, whether it’s career changers or retirements among an ageing broker population. Despite this, very little is being done within the industry to bring in new people and backfill the talent pool. If we want to ensure that the vast majority of mortgages are still arranged through advisers, firms absolutely need to be creating those pathways.
“While our successful academy proposition will continue to focus on those already with the necessary qualifications, Just Learning will answer the clear need to support those without any qualifications. We will provide all the necessary training to help pass the exams and provide a guaranteed interview with the business. We hope more firms will take on similar initiatives to help attract more people into the industry, as well as more young people into a career in advice.
Rodney Sloan (pictured), head of learning and development at Just Mortgages, said: “When you consider the average age of mortgage brokers is in the mid-50s, the challenge we face as an industry becomes abundantly clear. The launch of Just Learning is really exciting and means that no matter where you are in your journey – or even if you’ve never considered a career in advice before – our proposition is broad enough to provide a route into the industry.
“We are incredibly proud of our academy programme, which has helped find some fantastic talent who have gone on to become some of our most successful advisers. Adding Just Learning is the logical next step.”
