How It Works
Connect Network Academy
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Programme Overview | Academy Boost – Mortgage Adviser Training Programme UK introduces new and early-stage advisers to a clear, structured development pathway designed to help them build a successful advice business. The programme supports advisers from day one with a step-by-step plan. See the full course outline in the Mortgage Adviser Training Overview. |
| Phase 1: Onboarding (Weeks 1 to 4) | During the first four weeks, advisers complete a structured induction designed to prepare them for working in a regulated environment. This includes: • Full induction modules covering how the network operates and the support advisers receive, linked to Network Induction and Support. • Compliance coaching to understand FCA expectations, linked to Mortgage Compliance Training. • Introduction to sourcing systems, CRM and case management, linked to Mortgage Sourcing and CRM Tools. • Assignment of an experienced mentor, linked to Mentor Support for New Advisers. • Shadowing opportunities to observe real adviser-client meetings, linked to Live Case Shadowing Sessions. By the end of this phase, advisers understand the advice process, network systems and the compliance framework. |
| Phase 2: Business Launch (Months 1 to 3) | This phase focuses on helping advisers begin trading confidently. The network provides all the tools required to start attracting and supporting clients. This includes: • Guaranteed lead support to begin working with real clients, linked to Mortgage Lead Generation Support. • Branding guidance for profiles, marketing materials and online presence, linked to Adviser Branding and Marketing Tools. • Practical workshops on running effective client meetings and managing common mortgage scenarios, linked to Client Meeting Training Workshops. • Structured case review sessions, linked to Mortgage Case Review Support. • Continued mentor access for daily case guidance, linked to Daily Adviser Support. This phase supports advisers in gaining confidence, securing early clients and beginning to generate income. |
| Phase 3: Growth and Scaling (Months 4 to 12) | Once advisers have their foundations in place, the focus shifts to long-term growth. This stage includes: • Advanced training in BTL, bridging, commercial and complex income cases, linked to Specialist Mortgage Training. • Marketing workshops to improve referrals and online presence, linked to Mortgage Marketing Workshops. • Sales training to improve conversion rates and create repeatable adviser processes, linked to Mortgage Sales Training. • Pipeline management support to organise workflows, track income and scale effectively, linked to Mortgage Pipeline Management. • Regular one-to-one performance reviews, linked to Adviser Performance Reviews. By the end of this phase, advisers typically feel established and confident in specialist lending, with a strong foundation for long-term success. |
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Starting your career as a mortgage adviser can feel overwhelming, especially if you are newly qualified. The industry is competitive, and without the right training, mentoring, and business support, building a successful mortgage advice business is challenging. From understanding FCA compliance to generating consistent leads and gaining confidence with clients, the early stages of becoming a mortgage adviser often come with hurdles that can slow down your progress. For readers wanting to learn more about being an academy broker, explore our Trainee Broker page.
Are you finding the world of mortgage advising more complex than expected? Are you struggling to attract new clients, understand compliance responsibilities, or feel confident giving the best possible advice?
These challenges are common for newly qualified mortgage advisers. With the right mortgage network behind you, it becomes much easier to develop your skills, grow your client base, and build a successful long-term career.
Why Connect Mortgage Network Is the Right Choice for New Advisers:
Extensive Lender Access: Collaborate with over 200 + lenders and providers, including residential, buy-to-let, specialist, and complex lending providers.
Specialist Lending Options: Many networks focus only on mainstream mortgage products. Connect gives you access to specialist lenders across bridging finance, commercial lending, semi-commercial mortgages, and portfolio buy-to-let. This enables you to support a broader range of client situations and enhance your earning potential. For readers wanting to learn more, visit our support for newly qualified mortgage advisers page
Academy Membership
The Academy membership is designed for advisers with less than 12 months’ recent experience.
Unlike many networks, Connect does not insist that newly-qualified advisers join an existing firm or already have CAS (Competent Adviser Status). Instead, the Academy supports new advisers in achieving CAS within their own businesses.
The Academy (and Core) membership benefits include:
Product permissions: ability to advise on residential, buy-to-let, commercial, second charges, bridging, development loans, business loans, equity release, protection plans, general insurance, expats & foreign nationals.
Access to panel: a wide lender and provider panel of over 200 lenders & providers across mainstream and specialist markets.
Training: live virtual training + on-demand via a Learning Management System; monthly inductions; monthly training across product areas; included in membership fee.
Systems: Access to a bespoke CRM powered by OMS with integrated quoting, address/sanctions checks, client portal, text/email communication, etc. Included in monthly fee.
Support & growth: Member Support Team for day-to-day queries, Compliance Coaches, Specialist Placement Team, Business Relationship Managers, Marketing Team (toolbox, templates, custom landing page).
Extras: Membership of trading bodies (AMI for regulated advisers; FIBA for all advisers) is automatically included.
Boost Packages (Marketing Boost or Training Boost)
In addition to standard Academy membership, you can opt for a Boost package for an extra monthly fee.
The Boost options are described as “Marketing Boost or Training Boost” and are available to both Core and Standard Academy members.
The Boost service is described as “For an extra business ‘boost’” meaning additional support to grow the business, beyond the standard membership offering.
Mortgage Broker Directory: Your profile will be featured on our national Mortgage Broker Directory, helping potential clients find you based on location and services. This increases your visibility online and supports local lead generation.
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FAQs Academy Boost
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need CAS status before I join Academy Boost | No. Academy Boost is designed for advisers who are newly qualified or still gaining experience. You do not need Competent Adviser Status before joining. The programme helps you build the knowledge, confidence, and case exposure needed to achieve CAS at a steady and supported pace. |
| What is included in the lead guarantee | The lead guarantee ensures that every adviser in Academy Boost receives a consistent flow of pre qualified enquiries. These leads come from Connect group marketing channels, specialist lender partnerships, and consumer platforms. Each lead includes key client details so advisers can start conversations quickly and professionally. |
| How many leads will I receive and how often | Lead volumes vary depending on client demand and the products you specialise in. The programme provides a steady stream throughout each month. Advisers typically receive a mix of residential, buy to let, specialist, and remortgage enquiries. The focus is on quality rather than volume so you can convert cases and build a strong pipeline. |
| Is there an extra cost for branding or marketing support | No. Branding, marketing templates, and digital assets are included as part of Academy Boost. Advisers receive access to ready made materials for social media, email, print, and local marketing. Tailored branding guidance is also available to help establish your professional identity as your business grows. |
| Which specialist products will I be trained on | Training covers a wide range of specialist areas to help advisers expand beyond standard residential mortgages. Topics include buy to let, limited company lending, HMOs, commercial mortgages, semi commercial finance, bridging loans, development finance, second charge mortgages, and protection products. Advisers also learn how to identify specialist opportunities and package complex cases for lenders. |
| Will I receive help with compliance and file checking | Yes. Academy Boost offers full compliance oversight including case reviews, file checks, and guidance from experienced compliance managers. This ensures you meet FCA standards on every application and progress toward CAS status. |
| Can I shadow experienced advisers during the programme | Yes. Advisers can shadow calls, case reviews, and client meetings. This hands on exposure accelerates learning and builds confidence when working with real clients and real scenarios. |
| How long does the Academy Boost programme last | There is no fixed end date. Most advisers remain in Academy Boost for between six and twelve months depending on previous experience and how quickly they progress. Once CAS is achieved and a strong pipeline is established, advisers can transition into the wider Connect Network with continued support. |
| Do I need to bring my own clients to get started | No. You do not need an existing client bank to join. The programme provides leads, marketing resources, and business development support so you can grow from the ground up. |
| Is Academy Boost suitable for part time advisers | No. Academy Boost is not suitable for part time advisers. The programme requires a full time commitment so advisers can meet training expectations, manage client demand, achieve CAS, and make full use of the support and lead generation provided. |