The eight graduates have gained either the CII diploma in regulated financial planning or the CII certificate in mortgage advice.
The majority are career changers with experience across a broad range of sectors, including education, the armed forces, manufacturing and hospitality. The average age of candidates across the programme is 29, and around 39 per cent of candidates are women.
The financial advice network said that this year will see increased investment in the Academy, underlining its commitment to rapidly growing its number of advisers. It wants more people to have access to financial advice.
It expects another 55 advisers to graduate this year and is planning its biggest intake yet next month.
Claire Limon, director of learning and acquisition at Openwork (pictured), said: “We are delighted to celebrate the graduation of these eight hard-working candidates.
“They represent the next generation of advisers who will go on to help more people around the UK access expert financial advice and wealth management services; creating and protecting wealth for themselves and their families.
“We are passionate about attracting a diverse talent pool, and the Academy welcomes people from all walks of life to pursue a career in financial advice. The mix of people and the past career experience of the latest graduates is a glowing example of this.”
In 2018, Openwork added 508 mortgage advisers to its network, bringing the total number to 3,885.
