In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Robbie Branfield. Robbie embarked on his apprenticeship journey in 2018, studying as a Financial Advisor with Buckinghamshire College Group.
We reached out to him to delve into his experiences and gather insights on the value of apprenticeships. Robbie's story is a testament to the positive impact that apprenticeships can have on personal and professional growth.
Why did you choose an Apprenticeship?
' I was already working in financial services, but I needed to obtain a Diploma in Financial Planning in order to provide authorised advice. I could have studied independently, but the apprenticeship offered study groups and valuable soft skills workshops that greatly benefited me at the start of my career.'
What did you do in the workplace while studying your Apprenticeship?
'I was working full-time as an Investment Analyst/Paraplanner, where my role focused on reviewing investment opportunities, writing personalised advice recommendation reports, and shadowing experienced advisers.'
What did you enjoy about your Apprenticeship?
'In addition to the exam preparation, I received dedicated apprenticeship support that ensured my on-the-job learning was both relevant and engaging. The soft skills workshops were especially valuable, as they covered all aspects of being a financial planner, beyond just the technical knowledge. This included some psychology and sales training, which helped boost my confidence as I transitioned into my role as an adviser.'
Once your Apprenticeship was complete, what did you do from there?
'As a fully qualified Financial Planner with five years of experience, I am dedicated to helping individuals realize their financial and lifestyle aspirations. I guide my clients in alleviating their financial stress, allowing them to focus on what truly matters. I have the privilege of working alongside a diverse range of clients, crafting personalised financial strategies to meet their unique investment needs. No two days or clients are the same, this keeps the job interesting and there is also always a challenge to overcome.'
Would you recommend studying an Apprenticeship?
'If someone is interested in a career in financial services, there are multiple routes available, providing a strong foundation for both technical skills and industry knowledge. I would definitely recommend people look into this apprenticeship.'
We would like to thank Robbie for taking the time to speak with us about his experience studying an Apprenticeship. It's always great speaking with Apprentice Alum and sharing their experiences. If you are an Apprentice Alum, we would love to speak with you and share your Apprenticeship Success Story.
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