Paraplanner
There is an increasing demand for professionally qualified technical support within the Financial Services sector. The role of the Paraplanner is to assist the Financial Adviser in researching, analysing & preparing compliant financial reports for clients that verify the recommendations made in accordance with the company investment philosophy.
Successful completion of this standard will result in demonstration of full competence as a fully qualified Paraplanner.
This apprenticeship is ideal for those who are already working in the Financial Services industry and are looking to progress into a Paraplanning role. It can also support an organisations graduate programme.
Candidates with experience within Financial Services progressing into a Paraplanning role.
4
24 Months
Entry Requirements
- Be aged 16 or over
- Not currently in education or completing any Government funded training or qualifications
- Have been a UK resident for the last 3 years
- Employed for a minimum of 16 hours per week
- Spend at least 50% of your employed hours in England
- Must be working within the industry and completing a relevant role
- Have not achieved more than 2 of the following CII units (or equivalent) CF1, R01, R02, R03 or J09
- Have a minimum of 1 years industry experience (unless part of a graduate programme)
- Have achieved a GCSE (or equivalent) Grade C or 4 and above in English and maths. Candidates who have not achieved this, will need to score at least Level 1 in English and maths initial assessments completed during the Skills Edge enrolment process
- Must be working within the industry and completing a relevant role (or applying for relevant apprenticeship vacancy)
Features and Benefits
As a Skills Edge student you will benefit from:
Regular one to one support sessions
Includes the CII study books and exam entries
Fortnightly workshops for each CII exam
All workshops recorded and available on-demand
Exam tips, tricks, and strategies
Study notes
Interactive learning
6000+ Exam questions
Interactive chat, forums and class notebooks for real time support and assistance from experienced and qualified Financial Services professionals
Free CII membership for non-members through the CII Aspire Apprenticeship Programme
Monthly workshops to develop the relevant knowledge and skillset of a Paraplanner
Course Structure Overview
Key Learning Outcomes
Financial Services market
Demonstrates a deep understanding of the structure of the Financial Services market, including the role of the financial adviser, the paraplanner, product providers, support services & platforms.
Regulatory & compliance
Full understanding of the Financial Services regulatory framework, and the ethics and key principles of the advice process. Comprehensive knowledge of the systems and controls that are in place to protect the client and the company. Demonstrates full adherence to these systems and controls.
Products
Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of both financial products & financial planning tools. Can analyse which type and features of the financial products are appropriate to the client’s needs.
Systems & Processes
Understands and utilises all systems and processes required to deliver the role objectives. Has sophisticated awareness of how these fit within the wider company and the financial advice profession.
Consistently adheres to systems & processes using proficient IT skills, including risk, regulatory and governance requirements.
Quality service delivery
Consistently develops and delivers excellent service to customers, colleagues & advisers, supporting the products & services provided and adhering to TCF principles at all times. Has excellent attention to detail & provides a quality assurance check for the adviser firm.
Customer communication & relationships
Develops effective and enduring relationships with customers & key contacts through effective verbal/written/IT skills. Can handle & resolve issues. Can write reports that includes the necessary technical language but articulates in a way that client’s understand.
Team working & collaboration
Understands role within team & impact on others. Consistently endeavours to support colleagues & collaborate to achieve results.
Planning & prioritising
Demonstrates relevant level of skills to be able to provide thorough research & analysis. Can plan & prioritise work effectively in order to deliver good outcomes for both the customer & the business.
Full information on all outcomes for this course can be found on the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education website.
Qualifications
As part of this apprenticeship, apprentices will achieve the CII Certificate in Paraplanning.
This will be made up of:
R01 Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics
R02 Investment Principles and Risk
R03 Personal Taxation
J09 Paraplanning
If you are purely interested in obtaining your CII qualifications and not the wider apprenticeship outcomes, please check out our CII study support workshops:
End Point Assessment:
The End-Point-Assessment (EPA) is conducted by an independent organisation, who will assess the Apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours through the following methods:
A portfolio of recent evidence
A range of evidence completed by the apprentice, will be collected by the Training Provider as deemed appropriate for the type of business and the apprentice’s working environment. Differing types of evidence within this portfolio will be required to demonstrate competence.
Reflective Discussion
A structured interview with Skills Edge Training to explore the portfolio, clarify any questions the assessor has, evidence any aspects of the standard that are not already evidenced in the portfolio, and discuss how the Apprentice has progressed in their role.
The Apprentice is awarded an overall grade for their apprenticeship based on their EPA, of Fail, Pass, or Distinction.
