Just Mortgages has introduced a training academy, following two pilots earlier in the year.
The firm will run a series of four week courses which will introduce people to the basics of mortgages and protection and take them through to complete their CeMap One qualification. Should they wish they can carry on to more comprehensive training by Openwork, of which Just Mortgages is an appointed representative. The aim is to put at least 25 people through the courses this year and more if demand is there.
The first official course will take place in either Bristol or Cardiff on 15 June. Future training courses will be held around the country in Bedford, London and Sheffield.
Antra Ektermane successfully took part in one of the pilot training academies earlier this year and is now a mortgage and protection adviser for Just Mortgages in South East London. She said: “Despite having a Masters in Finance, I didn’t have my CeMAP qualification when I applied for the role at Just Mortgages last year. However, the training academy offered a mix of theoretical and practical training and, as a result, I am now a fully qualified mortgage adviser.
“The training academy included everything from written tests to real life scenarios and role plays which helped to prepare me for client meetings and first appointments. The trainer supported us throughout the entire process and was even on hand to help during our first cases. I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking of entering the mortgage market.”
John Phillips (pictured), group operations director for Just Mortgages and Spicerhaart, said, “Look around any room of mortgage brokers and you’ll see the average age tends to be somewhere in the 50s. It is essential that we bring some new blood into the industry to take the profession forward, or in ten years’ time we will be facing a woeful shortage of advisers.
“The industry as a whole needs to up its game, but Just Mortgages is determined to lead the charge and play its part by setting up these training academies. The initial plan is for four academies this year, but we will expand on this if the demand is there.”