"We wanted to set up the Academy to support our adviser recruitment needs and to encourage new talent into the industry to ensure a sustainable level of growth"
The Training Journal Awards, which aim to recognise the best of the best within learning and development, have shortlisted the MAB Academy in the Best Apprenticeship Programme category.
The programme, which has been running since 2013, was initially established to create a route into employment in adviser roles for people outside of the financial services sector.
Head of Learning and Development at Mortgage Advice Bureau, David Bedlow, commented: “Primarily we wanted to set up the Academy to support our adviser recruitment needs and to encourage new talent into the industry to ensure a sustainable level of growth for the MAB network.
"As a route to employment, the programme has surpassed our expectations with over 125 new recruits coming through the Academy in the last four years. We’ve also seen a huge improvement in retention levels for advisers entering the business through the Academy and rates much higher than the current industry standard.
"One of our biggest success stories has been Hayley O’Reilly who came through the Academy as a complete novice. What she lacked in experience, she more than made up for with a good work ethic and a determination to try hard and do well. As a result, Hayley took home the Best Newcomer Award at the British Mortgage Awards and has now gone on to become a mentor for people coming through the Academy.
"Now we have a few years under our belts with the programme, we recognise that whilst the initial learning and development is key in the early stages, it’s also important that we have a supportive network in place to continue to nurture our new talent, which is why it’s so valuable having mentors for our trainees. We also have a team of really experienced trainers who not only deliver the Academy programme but also ongoing support for both advisers and our AR businesses. We’ll all be keeping our fingers crossed for the awards!”
