Financial advice network Openwork believes employees affected by job cuts across the economy and also those hit by cutbacks in the financial services industry should look to the advice sector for retraining and job opportunities.
This comes as it bolsters its ranks through recruitment via its academy for the rest of the year and into 2021.
The Openwork Academy welcomes its next group of trainees this month with 31 expected to join in the next few weeks, split between the wealth and mortgage programme, taking the total to a record 150 this year.
It expects to have appointed 70 wealth advisers from those who graduate this year by the end of 2020.
Worrying time
Mike Morrow, wealth and platform director at Openwork, said: “It is a worrying time for many employees across the economy and even in the financial services industry with major banks and insurers cutting jobs.
“At Openwork, we are very much focused on recruitment and are committed to increasing the number of advisers across our network to help meet the growing demand for financial advice.”
Virtual work experience
Also in the industry, St James’s Place (SJP) will be hosting a virtual work experience week between 26-30 October, available to students wishing to learn more about a career in financial services.
Due to covid-19 restrictions, many students have been unable to complete a work experience placement, so SJP has launched the virtual initiative to provide students with the opportunity to gain relevant and valuable experience.
The week is open to students aged 16 years and above.
Agenda
Throughout the week, students will be able to attend a variety of presentations and practical sessions designed to give them a greater understanding of SJP as a business.
Delivered via Zoom by members of SJP’s early careers team, the sessions will introduce students to several of SJP’s departments such as investment management, finance and technology.
They will also learn about employability skills, as well as CV writing and application hints and tips.
‘Choosing the right path isn’t easy’
Susie Pearson-Giddings, head of early careers at SJP, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting a virtual work experience week to give students the opportunity to gain insights and experience in the workplace.
“Choosing the right career path isn’t easy at the best of times and we know that job opportunities for young people have been hit by the pandemic.
“At this time in young people’s lives, gaining experience and understanding of the career options available can help point them in the right direction, so we hope this week will provide valuable support to students right at the start of their career journeys.”
