FTAdviser.com

Advertising

A diploma for those who wish to step on to the financial career ladder has been launched following an alliance between the ifs School of Finance and Education Development International.

The ifs Introduction to Financial Services diploma aims to cover essential product and service knowledge, together with crucial employability skill - for example in IT, communication and customer service.

The diploma - which is credited by the Qualifications & Curriculum Authority at Level 2, meaning it on the same level as a GCSE - includes modules on financial planning, customer service and IT.

Rod McKee, head of financial capability for the ifs School of Finance, believes the new diploma will offer a defined skills set needed for financial services.

He said: "The combination of our financial qualifications with EDI's employability programmes will provide a strong platform for anyone wishing to pursue a career in the financial services industry. Employers rightly seek well-rounded employees with a range of skills sets and this new diploma will provide just that."

Chris Bolton, head of education and development for EDI, added that it aims to ensure that learners are equipped with all the skills they need to forge a successful career in the industry.

He said: "We are delighted to have partnered with the ifs School of Finance to help create this new qualification. Completion of this diploma will enable candidates to be more effective in their role and also have a better understanding of the industry and the skills required to work within it."

The diploma is not just for new entrants, as for those already working within the sector the qualification also aims to provide an opportunity to develop Level 2 skills and gain knowledge in preparation for professional exams.

This could encompass CeMAP, CeFA, CeRGI or any number of regulatory qualifications which are set at level 3.

In addition to compulsory units there are a number of optional ones. The flexible nature of the diploma means that candidates can tailor the qualification to their own strengths and weaknesses and to the particular path that they may wish to follow in the industry.