Birkett Long Independent Financial Advisers has launched a financial planning training scheme to bring new talent into the business.

Its first trainee is Joe McArdle, who will spend the next two years training

on the job with Birkett Long, which has an offices in Basildon and Colchester, and learning from mentors while being supported in taking six tough financial planning exams.

The 23-year-old, became interested in financial planning while working for the investment platform Cofunds, which advises financial planners.

He said: “I spoke to many experts in the business and became very interested in the role; however the cost of the exams and lack of support by not working within a firm such as Birkett Long IFA, made the prospect daunting.

“When the opportunity arose with the trainee financial planner programme here, it was simply an opportunity I could not ignore and I was delighted to be offered the position.”

Birkett Long law firm, which is a separate business and runs alongside the IFA wing, has a tried and tested training contract scheme for lawyers

and it was felt that as it had been so successful, the business model should be copied.

Nicola Ward, team leader and financial planning manager at the firm, said: “Each new trainee financial planner will be allocated a qualified and experienced financial planning manager to be their mentor for the duration of the two year trainee programme.

“This relationship is to remain in place following successful completion of the programme and qualification for at least a further two years.”

Joe said: “Birkett Long offered help, support and training through working with experienced financial planning managers.”