Financial services customer adviser apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
applying directly
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include a Level 1 Award for Introduction to Customer Service, a Level 2 Certificate in Customer Service or a Level 2 Certificate in Contact Centre Operations.
You'll usually need 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a Level 1 course. You'll need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course.
Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through a financial services customer adviser Level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship or a senior financial services customer adviser Level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship.
These take around 12 months to complete as a mix of learning on the job and study.
You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 apprenticeship. Some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, may be desired for a Level 2 apprenticeship.
Work
You could start as an admin assistant with a company and move into financial services work by training on the job.
Direct Application
You could apply directly to become a financial services customer adviser. It will help if you have some GCSEs, including English and maths, or equivalent
computer and relevant skills, such as keyboard usage, experience of customer service, cash handling or office work.
Financial services customer adviser apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- the ability to sell products and services
- maths knowledge
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to
pass enhanced background checks. Most employers will expect you to have a credit check to confirm that you do not have any outstanding debts which could prevent you from working in financial services.
Financial services customer adviser apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day duties you may:
- deal with other businesses, private or company investors or members of the public
- use computerised systems to access customer information and update account details
- answer customers questions
- process payments and withdrawals
- keep accurate records
- promote financial products and services
- work to targets
- handle complaints or refer them to a supervisor
- refer customers to staff to sell financial products
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression - Financial services customer adviser apprenticeships
With training and qualifications, you could specialise in mortgage advice, pensions work or financial advice.