Starting out in financial services does not have to mean waiting years to get qualified or building up student debt. The Level 3 Financial Services Administrator Apprenticeship is designed for school leavers and career starters who want to earn while they learn, gaining a nationally recognised qualification and a year of real experience in the industry.

From day one, you’ll be working in a financial advisory firm, building the practical skills and confidence that employers value. Alongside your role, you’ll study one day a week, supported by expert tutors and mentors who will guide you every step of the way. This pathway is your chance to turn ambition into action - laying the foundation for a respected career in financial services and opening the door to progression all the way to degree level and chartered status.

Qualification criteria:

• Must be 16 or over, living in England, and not in full-time education.
• Must have the right to work in the UK.
• Typically 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9 - 4 (A–C), including English and Maths.
• If you do not have GCSE English or Maths, you must be willing to complete Functional Skills as part of the apprenticeship.

What you will learn:

• Understanding financial markets, systems and regulations.
• Practical skills in systems, processes and compliance.
• Customer service skills, communication and teamwork.

What will you earn:

Typically, a salary of £14,000-£20,000 per year, depending on your employer.

Where will you work:

You will have a full-time job in a financial advisory firm.

What is your job role:

You will be providing administrative support to a financial organisation, helping to provide an efficient, high quality and complaint service.

How will you study:

Through a mixture of online delivery sessions, one-to-one personal tutor sessions, self-guided study and workplace mentoring.

Skills you will gain:

• You will learn to consistently develop and delivers excellent service to customers, colleagues & Financial Advisers.
• You will develop effective relationships with customers & key contacts, handling and resolving issues through effective verbal, written and IT skills.
• You will develop the skills to analyse effectively and plan strategically to deliver strong outcomes for customers and the business.
• You will show that you can follow systems and processes consistently, using strong IT skills to meet risk, regulatory, and governance requirements.

What makes you right for this role:

• Honesty and integrity, building trust from the very start of your career • Adaptability, adjusting positively to new challenges and workplace environments
• Enthusiasm, showing motivation to learn, grow, and contribute
• Dependability, being reliable and accountable in your role
• Personal commitment, taking ownership of your development and responsibilities

How will you be assessed:

Your Walbrook personal tutor will support you through your journey, giving developmental feedback on all aspects of the knowledge, skills and behaviour you develop along the way. At the end of your programme, once it is agreed that you are displaying all the required aspects you will enter a period of End Point Assessment that usually lasts around three months.

End Point Assessment:

You will be independently assessed on a work-based project, a portfolio of evidence
and via a panel interview. Your personal tutor will be on hand to support throughout.

What next?

Completing your Level 3 apprenticeship is just the beginning. With a solid foundation in financial services, you’ll be ready to take your career further. Your next step could be progressing to Level 4, where you’ll achieve the Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA®). 

Become a member of Future Financial Adviser and follow the Apprenticeships room for notifications of new apprenticeship opportunities click here