Consultum Financial Advisers intends to increase its adviser numbers after unveiling plans for an in-house cadetship program.
The IOOF-owned dealer group plans to add 15 cadets in the next 12 months in response to the industry's adviser shortage.
Consultum head Stuart Abley said as well as combating the skills shortage by employing cadet advisers, the program will provide financial assistance and a training program to support existing planning practices that appoint new advisers.
"With many growing practices struggling to appoint new staff, due to a combination of the industry skills shortage and the strain that it puts on business resources, we've seen the need to provide support to our advisory base," Abley said.
"By providing a detailed cadetship program we are offering our practices an extension of our value proposition, which focuses on business planning and practice management."
Cadets need a minimum of PS146 and a commitment to study an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services, Abley said.
"Cadets will be offered access to training that will equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to become high quality financial planners and to underpin a future career within the industry," he said.
Cadets working within the Consultum group will also have access to training and workshops in the areas of sales and marketing, professional standards, technical strategy and software.
Consultum has 64 practices in its national network.
