Financial Planning Apprentice - Preston - September 2026

Location: Preston (Winckley Square) 

Duration: 3-Year Structured Programme (Leading to a permanent Financial Advisor role) 

Qualification: CII Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning → Specialism/Chartered Status 

More than an apprenticeship. 

The MHA Wealth Management Academy is a bespoke, three-year programme designed to take you from A-Level study into a fully qualified, permanent Financial Advisor role within MHA Wealth. 

From day one, you will have a clear roadmap, expert mentor support and hands-on responsibility in one of the UK's most respected wealth management teams. 

You will build technical knowledge, confidence and commercial understanding while working towards the CII Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and your next steps towards Chartered status. 

What Sets Us Apart 

At MHA, people come first - our colleagues, our clients and the communities we support. We combine the global insight of Baker Tilly International with a strong local commitment, giving you the chance to learn in a connected, ambitious and people-centred organisation. 

You will be welcomed as a valued member of a collaborative, purpose-led team. We are committed to continuous learning, meaningful development and creating an environment where everyone can thrive and be themselves. 

Our approach brings together formal training, practical on-the-job experience and ongoing learning. You will be supported at every stage, but trusted to take ownership of your development. 

Here, You'll Go Beyond Numbers 

As a Financial Planning Apprentice, you will not simply shadow the work - you will contribute to it. The Academy gives you an immersive introduction to the full financial planning journey: client service, paraplanning and financial advice. 

You will rotate through key areas of MHA Wealth, building the judgement, technical capability and relationship skills needed to help clients make confident decisions about their future. 

The 3-Year Journey:  

Year 1: Foundation (Client Service Team) You’ll learn the lifecycle of a client. From onboarding to annual reviews, you will manage the essential documentation and systems that keep our advice compliant and professional. You will begin your initial CII modules, gaining a birds-eye view of the industry. 

Year 2: Technical Excellence (Junior Paraplanner) Progress into the technical team as a Junior Paraplanner. Here, you will begin drafting suitability reports, conducting market research, and analysing complex financial data to support our senior advisors. This year is about building the "why" behind financial advice as you work toward completing your Level 4 Diploma. 

Year 3: Advisory (Financial Advisory) This is the bridge to your career as an Advisor. You will shadow senior experts in live client meetings, learn the art of relationship management, and eventually taking on your own client responsibilities under supervision. 

-The Goal: Upon successful completion, you will be promoted into a Financial Advisor role within MHA Wealth. 

What You'll Do 

• Support new-client onboarding, documentation, record keeping and annual reviews to deliver a professional, compliant client experience. 

• Build your knowledge of the financial-planning process through structured learning, CII study and practical experience. 

• Carry out market, product and financial research to support high-quality advice for clients. 

• Prepare technical materials and develop suitability-report content as your paraplanning capability grows. 

• Work across client-service, paraplanning and advisory teams to understand how each contributes to client outcomes. 

• Shadow senior Financial Advisors in client meetings and build the confidence to manage client responsibilities under supervision. 

• Take ownership of your development plan and progress through Academy milestones towards your Level 4 Diploma and specialist or Chartered pathway. 

Entry Requirements 

• You have recently completed, or are due to complete, your A-Levels with a strong academic track record. 

• You have studied at least one relevant subject, such as Business, Economics, Maths, Further Maths, Accountancy or Politics. 

• You are genuinely interested in financial planning, wealth management and the difference high-quality advice can make to clients. 

• You enjoy understanding information, asking thoughtful questions and turning detail into clear, practical next steps. 

• You communicate confidently, build positive relationships and are comfortable working with a wide range of people. 

• You are organised, proactive and ready to commit to a three-year programme of work, study and development in a regulated environment. 

Rewards That Resonate 

You are more than a number to us; you are someone with unique skills and aspirations. Our benefits are designed to support your wellbeing, foster your professional growth and recognise the contribution you make. 

• A guaranteed career path: on successful completion of the Academy, progression into a permanent Financial Advisor role within MHA Wealth. 

• Full study support for the CII Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, including exams, tuition, study materials and paid study leave. 

• A dedicated senior mentor in the Preston office to support your professional and personal development. 

• Agile working, with flexibility around core hours and home-working days where appropriate. 

• 30 days' holiday including bank holidays during the training contract, with the opportunity to buy up to 5 additional days. 

• Employee recognition awards and a confidential 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling and virtual-doctor access for you and your family. 

We are a Disability Confident employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, we will progress you to the next stage. Please tell us about any reasonable adjustments you need during recruitment. We do not expect you to meet every criterion - if you would be a great addition to the Academy, we would love to hear from you.