Fifteen-month programme offers firms up to 100% government-funded training to build an in-house pipeline of CeMAP-qualified advisers
Walbrook Institute London has extended its apprenticeship provision to include a new level 3 pathway for trainee mortgage advisers, providing firms with a government-funded route to recruit and develop talent.
The 15-month Mortgage Adviser apprenticeship allows participants to study for the CeMAP qualification through the London Institute of Banking & Finance's (LIBF) online learning platform alongside a peer cohort. Employers may access up to 100% funding through the national apprenticeship levy, subject to eligibility.
Walbrook has operated degree-level apprenticeships for nearly a decade. In November 2025, it partnered with Future Financial Adviser (FFA) to launch professional education pathways aimed at addressing the shortage of qualified financial advisers. The first cohort under those pathways began this summer. The mortgage adviser route follows that model.
The pathways cover level 3, 4, and 6 qualifications and can be used either to bring new entrants into the sector or to upskill existing employees into more senior or specialist roles. As LIBF holds membership body status and sits on the Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR), apprentices gain immediate access to CPD resources and a professional network.
"As the biggest mortgage advice educator in the UK, it's the natural move to expand our successful professional education apprenticeship pathways to the mortgage advice sector," said Gordon Reid (pictured right), business development manager at the London Institute of Banking & Finance, part of Walbrook Institute London.
"As an apprenticeship and financial services qualification provider which is also membership body, we can provide a whole solution. New apprentices will have the chance to be part of a network with both peers and more experienced professionals. Through this new pathway, we can help firms to recruit, train and support the next generation of talent using the national apprenticeship levy.
"Using pathways like this, which are aligned to employer need and the national skills agenda, we're also playing our part in tackling the wider issue of youth unemployment."
New Leaf Distribution, whose network comprises more than 400 mortgage brokers, has backed the initiative. "We're incredibly proud to work with Walbrook Institute London on this exciting initiative to bring new talent into mortgage advice," said Daniel Hobbs, chief executive of New Leaf Distribution.
"With over 400 mortgage brokers in our network already, we're looking forward to growing this number. Apprenticeships provide a structured and deliberate talent pipeline for growth. This new 15-month programme will support apprentices to gain their CeMAP qualifications and learn more about finding and advising clients."
Walbrook is currently in discussions with lending firms about adopting the mortgage adviser pathway.
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