Fabulous finalists!

Yesterday was a day filled with celebrations here at HQ – as we got the news that four of our grads have been shortlisted for the Professional Adviser New Talent Awards. As if this wasn’t enough to have us rummaging around to find our party hats, we also found out that as a team, we have been shortlisted for the Best External Development Programme!

Graduate of the Year

Within the Graduate of the Year category, we have not one, but two of our wonderful graduates in the running for the win. Sunaina Khaylar, has been with us just over 2 years, has shown nothing but resilience in her journey so far – conquering hurdles and challenges, always with a smile on her face.

And Michael Cooke – who, despite only starting with us 10 months ago, has already won ‘Colleague of the Quarter’ (an internal award voted for by peers) and has passed his R01 exam, whilst being one of the first candidates of The Art of Finance!

We’re so proud of both Sunaina and Michael, who are integral parts of our team!

Innovator & Rising Star of the Year

The Innovator of the Year award is for those who have proven to think outside the box when it comes to new ideas within the business – from the very beginning of his journey, Alex Haley has strived to always show initiative in his work and is often commended for challenging processes to make them smoother for the business. It seems hard work has paid off for Alex, who has been shortlisted for this award.

But it doesn’t stop there… after completing a chunk of his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning in an amazing time frame, we felt it was only right to nominate him for Rising Star of the Year too – which he was also shortlisted for! Amazing!

Paraplanner of the Year

Kate joined us back in 2015, fresh from university with a degree in Zoology and a huge interest in financial services. She is our ultimate success story for those who have no experience in finance yet go on to achieve great things. Kate has completed her Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, is one of our paraplanner hub leaders and has now made the shortlist for Paraplanner of the Year!

We are so passionate about getting the message across that skills can be taught to anyone with the right attitude to learn – and this is the perfect example.

Best External Development Programme

The Grad Scheme was formalised in 2017 and in that time, we have gone from strength to strength.

We now have 20 graduates working across both Para-Sols and Apricity – five of which, have completed their Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, (with one of them passing earlier this week!) and are now working towards their Advanced Diploma. One of our graduates has achieved their Advanced Diploma and has earned Chartered Status and the rest of the team are striving towards their Diplomas at an amazing speed.

Yesterday marked the first time that we have been shortlisted for an award – we’ve never quite found the right category to go in for, so when we spotted this one, it was a no brainer.

However, to be shortlisted is a completely new achievement – it’s pretty momentous and we’re over the moon to be recognised for our work within the industry. To introduce the next generation into financial services is our goal – and to receive the news that not only four of our grads have been shortlisted, but we as a development programme have too, is incredibly exciting.

Good luck to everyone who has made the shortlist!

If you fancy joining The Grad Scheme and possibly achieve your own awards shortlisting in the future, check out our next deadline for applications here.

 

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