Academy Boost – Mortgage Adviser Training Programme UK
How It Works
Academy Boost – Mortgage Adviser Training Programme UK | The Academy Boost programme is designed to guide newly qualified and early-stage mortgage advisers through every stage of building a successful mortgage business. The structure is clear, supportive, and built around a step by step development plan that gives advisers the confidence and tools they need from day one.
Phase 1: Onboarding (Weeks 1 to 4)
During the first month, you will be guided through a structured induction plan that prepares you for working within a regulated environment.
This includes:
Full induction modules that explain how the network works and the support you will receive.
Compliance coaching that helps you understand FCA expectations and how to meet them in your day-to-day advice process.
Introduction to the systems you will use for sourcing, CRM and case management.
Assignment of an experienced mentor who becomes your main point of support throughout your early development.
Shadowing opportunities where you can observe experienced advisers completing real client meetings and case work.
By the end of this phase, you will have a clear understanding of the advice process, the systems used in the network, and the compliance framework that keeps you protected.
Phase 2: Business Launch (Months 1 to 3)
This phase focuses on helping you start trading with confidence.
The network provides the tools and structure you need to attract clients and build your business from the ground up.
This includes:
Guaranteed lead support to help you start engaging with real clients while building your own client bank.
Branding tools that help you present yourself professionally, including support with profiles, marketing materials and online presence.
Practical workshops covering how to conduct effective client meetings and how to handle common mortgage scenarios.
Structured case review sessions to help you learn from real advice examples.
Continued access to your mentor for daily questions and case guidance.
This phase aims to help you gain confidence, start securing clients and begin generating your own income.
Phase 3: Growth and Scaling (Months 4 to 12)
Once you have built your foundations, the focus shifts to growth.
This phase helps you develop specialist skills, strengthen your business processes and move towards long-term success.
This includes:
Advanced training in specialist products such as buy to let, bridging, commercial and complex income cases.
Marketing workshops that help you promote your services, improve client referrals and grow your online presence.
Sales training that focuses on improving your conversion rates and developing a repeatable client handling process.
Pipeline management support to help you organise workflows, track income and scale efficiently.
Regular performance reviews with your mentor to identify goals, challenges and new opportunities.
By the end of this phase, most advisers feel fully established, confident in specialist lending and ready to operate at a higher level within the network.
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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.
Academy Boost | Don't Let Lack of Experience Hold You Back?
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 in areas such as 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.
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. |