Kaplan Professional Australia (Kaplan) has seen a jump in enrolments in its financial services courses, prompting suggestions industry professionals are looking to improve their skills in the face of a tough market.
Kaplan took in an extra 600 new students on top of its usual 2650 for the first trimester of 2008.
"In a buoyant economy, employers experience a skills shortage and can't afford to be as picky when hiring new staff," Kaplan chief executive Warren Jacobson said.
"However, our current enrolments could be a sign that finance professionals are preparing for a tough market and need further education skills to better differentiate themselves from other candidates".
Jacobson said the new enrolments comprise those already in the industry, as opposed to those trying to gain entry, and occurred despite the availability of the courses being limited to New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.
He expects enrolments to increase further now that the course is available in Victoria.
Kaplan acquired the education arm of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia late last year and now works with more than half of Australia's top 50 dealer groups.
The enrolments for the postgraduate courses in applied finance are ongoing, with the second trimester starting May 19, 2008.
