Connect for Intermediaries, buoyed by the overwhelming success of its first training academy in March, is delighted to announce the addition of seven more Connect academies to its schedule this year.
The positive reception of the first event, held in the second week of March, surpassed expectations. Attendees were awarded an impressive average rating of 4.96 out of five for the quality of content and delivery.
The initial academy’s resounding success has prompted Connect to extend its offerings year-round. This expansion is made possible by strong support from esteemed lender partners. The upcoming training Connect academies are set to take place on the following dates:
- 29th April 2019 – 3rd May 2019
- 20th May 2019 – 24th May 2019
- 17th June 2019 – 21st June 2019
Furthermore, provisional dates for the Autumn season have been added to cater to the growing demand for these valuable training sessions:
- 2nd September – 6th September
- 30th September – 4th October
- 4th November – 8th November
- 2nd December – 6th December.
Connect Academies | What does the Academy offer?
Connect for Intermediaries demonstrates its dedication to audience needs by offering an enhanced training schedule. This initiative reflects their focus on delivering top-notch learning opportunities. Moreover, the company is eager to build on its academy’s initial success, aiming to provide outstanding content throughout the year.
Inclusive Training for a Specialist Market
The specialist mortgage academies are tailored to onboard new advisors and support returning brokers after career breaks. Additionally, these academies cater to professionals from related industries, such as accounting, real estate, and letting agencies. This inclusive programme helps individuals transition into advisory roles. However, participants are required to join Connect’s network after completing the course.
Supporting Authorised Representatives and Network Growth
Connect for Intermediaries also focuses on helping Authorised Representatives (ARs) grow their businesses. Their commitment is evident through initiatives like the academy, which extends support to trainees. This includes new staff hired by existing network members, ensuring they receive the necessary skills and knowledge.
Comprehensive Mortgage Training
The Connect Academies offer an in-depth understanding of the mortgage market’s regulatory framework. The training strongly emphasizes specialised mortgage categories, including buy-to-let, commercial, development, and bridging loans. Furthermore, attendees gain expertise in lender criteria and market offerings, equipping them for advisory roles in complex areas.
Adapting to Industry Standards
After completing the course, participants are well-prepared to manage various specialist mortgages. While many specialist mortgage markets lack strict regulatory requirements for advisor qualifications, the industry is changing. Increasingly, lenders prefer regulated advisors operating within a structured environment. This shift highlights the importance of adhering to regulated practices to build credibility and gain lender acceptance.
This evolving landscape underscores the significance of aligning with industry standards. Connect for Intermediaries ensures its advisors are ready to meet these demands, enhancing their professional standing in the UK mortgage market.
Connect Academies | Quotes
Attendee Jack Carter said, “My knowledge has increased greatly, and the academy has given me added confidence.”
Another attendee, Terence McCann, said, “The course was excellent and beneficial in all areas.”
Training and mentoring will continue after the course, and all candidates will have access to the Connect for Intermediaries team to help them grow and develop, achieve Competent Adviser Status and become successful advisers.
Liz Syms, CEO of Connect, says, “Our first academy was an overwhelming success, with positive feedback from every attendee. If the first one was a success, we always planned to hold more academies, but we were so oversubscribed that we doubled the number we originally planned to run.
“There is a desperate need to bring new people and skills into the mortgage industry, people who are properly trained so that they will always put the client’s interests first. Our academies successfully achieve all those things, raising standards, bringing new blood into the industry and helping our existing adviser members grow their own businesses.”
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