New funded apprenticeship pathway launches to train the next generation of financial advisers

Industry-led collaboration between LIBF (part of Walbrook Institute London) and Future Financial Adviser tackles adviser shortage with a ready to use, 95%-funded solution for firms of all sizes. Firms can now express an interest in the new pathways.

Bringing experience and vision to LIBF

A new national initiative has been launched to address the growing shortage of qualified financial advisers across the UK. Developed in partnership by LIBF, part of Walbrook Institute London, and Future Financial Adviser (FFA), the programme provides advisory firms of all sizes with a 95% funded, fully-managed route to attract, train, and retain the next generation of talent.

Find out more:

The first webinars for firms will be held on 2 December 2025 at 8:30am and 12:30pm GMT on the topic of “Making apprenticeships work for your firm”. Each webinar is 30 minutes long and employers can sign up now:

With the average adviser age now 58 and attrition among support staff rising, the profession faces a demographic and succession challenge. This new partnership is designed to make entry into the profession simpler, more structured and more accessible for both young people and employers.

The Walbrook pathways enable firms to recruit young talent directly into the sector, offering trainees the chance to achieve a recognised level 3, 4 or 6 qualification and a clear route to progress in their careers. They can also be used to upskill existing staff into paraplanning or advisory roles.

This unique apprenticeship programme enables firms both small and large to attain funding and provides employee toolkits to ensure apprentices are supported with a structured and quality-assured programme from day 1.

For new talent, they can earn and work, building a career that they might not previously have considered or been able to access.

For employers, the model leverages government funding for apprenticeships, meaning that as much as 100% of the cost could be covered – making it one of the most cost-effective ways to produce loyal, home-grown advisers.

John Somerville, Director of Financial Services at LIBF, part of Walbrook Institute London, said:

This collaboration brings together education, industry, and innovation. The pathways provide a clear academic and professional structure, but crucially, they also make it easy for firms to participate. All the training, assessment, and funding administration are handled for them, and it’s been done with the input of some of the biggest names in the business. This means the package of support is ready ‘out of the box’ for firms to start the process as soon as possible. It’s a practical, scalable solution to the profession’s most pressing challenge."

John Somerville

Director Financial Services, Professional Education, LIBF (Part of Walbrook)

Piers Johnson, Managing Director at emap (Future Financial Adviser), said:

“Many advice firms are asking the same question: where will the next generation of advisers come from? The answer is: they can come from you. We’ve made it simple. We can help firms create an entry level role within minutes and promote that to our members who come to us via our outreach activity among young career seekers.  Employers can access the Employer Toolkit, and have everything from levy funding to training delivery managed on their behalf. It’s not just about filling vacancies - it’s about securing the future of advice.”

A number of the UK’s biggest advice firms have supported Future Financial Adviser from inception, recognising its value in building loyalty, reducing attrition, and strengthening long-term succession planning.

Scott Stevens, Managing Director: Business Development and Marketing at Mattioli Woods, said:

“In a profession built on relationships and trust, continuity matters. These pathways give firms a way to invest in their own future - developing advisers who grow with the business and stay for the long term.”

Recruit once, retain for years: The funded, fully-prepared pathway to building your future advisers.

The pathways launch with a nationwide campaign targeting students, parents, and employers - including school and university outreach, digital engagement on TikTok and online forums, and a series of webinars.

The first webinars for firms will be held on 2 December 2025 at 8:30am and 12:30pm GMT on the topic of “Making apprenticeships work for your firm”. Each webinar is 30 minutes long and employers can sign up now: