Connect for Intermediaries launches academy for trainee brokers

The scheme, which was announced at the end of last year, is open to brokers who are returning to the industry after an absence, accountants, estate or letting agents and other individuals who are experienced in property and want to make the move into advice.

It is also open to existing members of Connect’s network who want to grow their businesses by taking on trainees or other new staff.

There is no regulatory requirement to hold a mortgage qualification or demonstrate competent adviser status in much of the specialist market. However, many lenders will not accept an application from a non-regulated adviser or one who is not part of a regulated environment.

The course will cover:

• Core compliance training including money laundering, data protection and treating customers fairly.
• Specialist knowledge including calculating BTL rental affordability, HMO and multi-unit properties, bridging finance, commercial and business funding.
• How to research the market including how to understand a credit file, accounts and complex income how to use different research tools, presenting solutions and closing the sale.
• Generating leads covering social media, email marketing and advertising as well as how to generate referrals.
• Submitting business with the applications process, undertaking risk checks, complying with the highest documentation and customer service standards and tracking cases.

Training and mentoring will continue after the course and candidates will have access to the Connect for Intermediaries team to help them achieve competent adviser status.

Liz Syms, CEO of Connect for Intermediaries (pictured), said: “We desperately need to bring new advisers into the mortgage market, and there is an ongoing need to continually raise standards in the specialist mortgage market.

“Even for people with a mortgage qualification, there is an incredible amount a mortgage adviser needs to learn about researching the specialist market and providing advice.”

The first course has eight people on it. There are another seven courses planned throughout the year, with the next taking place in May.