Taylor Patterson looks to the future with new apprenticeship scheme

Taylor Patterson has become one of the first companies to offer its staff access to a new apprenticeship scheme.

Taylor Patterson is working with Manchester-based Skills Solutions to offer its staff the new Financial Services Apprenticeships.

Currently two staff are studying for the 18-24 month course which will result in them gaining a full Certificate in Financial Planning, along with a BTEC qualification.

The move marks what Gillian Bardin, managing director of Taylor Patterson, feels is a change in the industryís attitude to training, with more firms looking to bolster their development through additional opportunities for staff.

The apprenticeships were developed by the Financial Services Sector Skills Council, and representatives from the financial services industry. The aim was to offer a wider range of training options and meet recruitment and development needs of those embarking on a career in financial services.

Gillian Bardin said: ìIt is vital for financial services firms to offer their staff the proper training, ensuring they are always giving the best advice available.

ìAs far as we know we are one of the first firms to be offering our staff the opportunity to take part in this new apprenticeship scheme, which was only developed very recently.

ìApprenticeships are often overlooked in an industry like financial advice, which has for some time relied solely upon the standard industry qualifications. We see these apprenticeships as an important tool in the development of staff, offering training in skills which will be invaluable for the job.î

Taylor Patterson staff Anja Ford and Elizabeth Brignall will be studying for an L3 Advanced Apprenticeship, in Providing Financial Advice. This qualification covers financial advice, mortgage advice and long term care insurance advice.