In the world of finance there is now an increased demand for paraplanners. So, if you have an interest in finance then this may be the perfect apprenticeship for you considering the need for more paraplanners. In this article, I will be going over the duties of a paraplanner, the qualifications and finally post-apprenticeship opportunities.
Duties of a Paraplanner Apprenticeship
As a paraplanner apprentice, you will be making sure everything is going smoothly and not just grabbing coffee. The main role of the paraplanner is to assist your financial advisor in different areas, such as researching, analysing and any financial reports. You will also have to check out client portfolios and schedule any client meetings that may arise.
The Qualifications Needed for Paraplanner Apprenticeship
To be able to start the apprenticeship there are a few different things you will need to bear in mind. The first is that you will be required to complete the Certificate in Paraplanning from the Professional Bodies. This will be either the Chartered Insurance Institute or the FPSB UK / The Institute of Financial Planning.
The CII Certificate will include four exams:
• Financial Service Regulation & Ethics (R01)
• Investment Principles & Risk (R02)
• Personal Taxation (R03)
• Paraplanning (J09)
Meanwhile, the FPSB UK’s Certificate will include the following:
• Principles of Financial Planning
• Personal Taxation Paper
You will also have to ensure you have a level 2 English and Maths before the End Point Assessment. However, people with education must have a level 3 as it’s a requirement.
Post-Apprenticeship Opportunities
Once you have finished the apprenticeship, there are many options available to you! A decent portion of apprentices actually become a full time paraplanner while some attempt to complete the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) in which they level up their professional standard. You branch out and work in retirement planning or investment management. Some people even go ahead and get a finance degree.
Conclusion
The paraplanner apprenticeship is where you learn the ropes and get firsthand experience with a financial advisor. By doing this apprenticeship you will gain valuable experience which can propel your career!
Find out more on apprenticeships through Apprentice Tips.