The network is the latest firm to launch a training programme in a bid to prepare for increased levels of activity in the industry.
Companies such as Yorkshire Building Society, the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers and Countrywide are all running training and apprenticeship programmes in order to have sufficient trained staff to cope with a busy market.
Openwork’s Route to Chartered Status programme will provide principals, advisers, paraplanners, and other members of the business with flexible tutor-led support to achieve Chartered Financial Planner status.
Each AF (advanced) study module will be delivered over three days rather than the standard two, with participant numbers capped to create a more effective learning environment.
Advisers who already hold AF qualifications can join the programme to acquire the additional points they require to achieve Chartered status.
Openwork has also recently launched a graduate training academy to help Openwork member firms build succession planning into their practices.
Mike Gummerson, development director at Openwork, said: “Openwork is committed to helping advisers develop their knowledge and skills on a professional and personal level and we are accordingly pleased to offer members access to our Route to Chartered training programme.
Yorkshire Building Society recently laid out plans for both a mortgage underwriting apprenticeship programme and a customer service training programme which should provide careers for over 150 apprentices in the next five years.
Meanwhile the NACFB and Hitachi this week announced a joint apprenticeship scheme which will train participants to a level where they can work as an independent broker or join an existing brokerage at an experienced level.
On the surveying side, in October 2013 Countrywide introduced the Countrywide Surveying Services trainee programme to help combat the surveyor shortage. In February 2015 it announced that 87 surveying trainees have been awarded Associates of RICS.
