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Apprenticeship

Financial Advisor Higher Apprenticeship CII Diploma [Level 4]

What is Financial Advisor Higher Apprenticeship CII Diploma [Level 4]?

Upon successful completion of this University of Gloucestershire higher apprenticeship, learners gain the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, as well as the recognised status and designation DipPFS. Designed for talented career entrants, as well as those wanting to progress in their careers, learners develop the key skills, knowledge and behaviours required to be able to advise clients in this highly regulated area.

In Year 1, learners study five modules, each covering the content needed for a different CII exam. They attend university for workshops for each exam, as well as for additional revision days. Away from university they put their knowledge into practice in the workplace, with the support of a designated supervisor. In year two, apprentices put the theory they have learned in year one into practice in the workplace.

Study style

Teaching is usually delivered over two years through block learning, so learners attend university for set days timetabled throughout the year. The rest of the time they are in the workplace.

Assessments methods are as required by the CII and consist of exams, including a written case study-based exam at the end of the second year. Exams are taken in our own CII in-house exam centre.

An end point assessment is compulsory at the end of year two to test knowledge, skills and behaviours. This assessment is in two parts – a case study based exam and a Viva. The former is designed to assess the learner’s occupational competence, while the latter consists of a structured interview where the apprentice presents a learning portfolio and learning outcomes are examined.

Support for apprentices and employers

All apprentices have a dedicated mentor who will have extensive Financial Planning experience from within the university. The mentor will guide the learner and will be their point of contact on all academic, professional and other relevant matters pertinent to meeting the standards of the apprenticeship. They’ll also be supported by our student Helpzone staff.

Employers are able to access our dedicated apprenticeship support team, who are here to ensure that businesses get the best from both the learner and the programme.

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Entry requirements

    • Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprenticeships. Most candidates will have A levels (or equivalent) or existing relevant Level 3 qualifications, as well as English, Maths and ICT at Level 2. Other relevant or prior experience may also be considered as an alternative. Level 2 English and Maths must be achieved before the End Point Assessment part of the apprenticeship.

      Apprentices should be in fulltime employment (at least 30 hours per week) throughout the duration of their apprenticeship, and 6 hours of their contracted working week must be spent doing ‘off-the-job’ training.

      Employers may wish to set additional entry requirements to suit their organisational needs.

Industry links

Learners gain an internationally-recognised qualification awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

Specialise your knowledge

Apprentices have the option to specialise or cover a range of products, including pensions, mortgages and life products.

Get all the right skills

This apprenticeship has been developed to help employers develop a workforce for the future and avoid skills shortages in the sector.

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