Raymond James has rolled out a new program to train aspiring financial advisors and says it has attracted a diverse first group of participants.
Its two-year Wealth Management Associate Program (or WealthMAP) aims to introduce advisory work to those interested in exploring the career but not fully ready to join Raymond James’ advisor-training program, according to Matt Ransom, vice president of new FA development.
“There are many pathways into this profession, and we recognize that nontraditional candidates, … [like] those … changing careers, just graduating or … reentering the workforce, may appreciate a longer runway to gain more education and experience before entering a robust advisor training program … ,” said Ransom in a statement.
The inaugural class, which began the program last month, includes adults based in 20 branches. More than 70% of them are women or people of color, and over half of whom are from different professional fields or are recent graduates.
WealthMAP helps prepare candidates for the Series 7 and Series 66 exams and exposes them to financial planning via home-office training, branch and group coaching, and wealth planning and technology support, the firm says.
Successful graduates will transition immediately into Raymond James’ formal advisor training program, the Advisor Mastery Program.