FFP Graduation Programme
- Join Our Team
About the Programme
We're one of around 50 fully Accredited Financial Planning firms in the UK. We are based in Sherborne, Dorset and for over 20 years we have been helping individuals and families plan their financial futures.
We have a strong reputation in financial planning and want to continue to help more families. In order to support our growth, we are launching a graduate scheme to invest in talented, driven individuals.
Our graduate programme offers a unique opportunity to build a rewarding career in financial planning with a firm that values professionalism, personal development and long term client relationships.
You’ll be part of our supportive team where your contribution genuinely matters, and your development and success are our priority.
Our approach is to recruit one graduate annually, allowing us to deliver focused mentoring, structured training and meaningful development. This will lead to a choice of pathways to develop and further your career in financial planning.
Who we’d love to hear from
A motivated graduate with:
At least a 2:1 degree in any discipline
Strong natural communication skills and the ability to build rapport with people
Genuine interest in financial planning and the impact it has on client’s lives
Motivation to learn, develop and work towards professional qualifications
You don't need a specific finance degree or prior experience in financial services - we'll provide all the technical training you need. What matters most is your approach, work ethic, and genuine interest in this career path.
Your First Two Years
Year 1
Start to study towards completing your Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning (CII - DipPFS)
Understand our business
Learn, live and experience our culture
Learn our systems, processes, and how we serve clients
Take on administrative responsibilities to understand the full client journey
Learning financial planning software and research tools
Observe client meetings to experience how our advice is delivered and clients are supported
In the first year, expect more structured learning and observation. By year two, you'll be taking on greater responsibility for client work while building towards independence.
Year 2
Continue to build valuable experience
Apply technical knowledge more independently
Begin building relationships with clients under supervision
Preparing advice reports
Involved in the implementation of our advice
Take increasing responsibility in select client meetings
Complete your Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
Continued support with exam preparation and study time
Acting as a key support point for Financial Planners and Client Relationship Managers
You don't need a specific finance degree or prior experience in financial services - we'll provide all the technical training you need. What matters most is your approach, work ethic, and genuine interest in this career path.
Beyond Year Two
Following successful completion of your initial qualifications and the knowledge of our business, you'll have the opportunity to consider different pathways. You may choose to develop into a fully qualified Certified Financial Planner servicing your own clients, or you may wish to specialise and become a Technical Paraplanner. We're committed to long-term career development, and we see this programme as the beginning of a lasting relationship.
Location & Lifestyle
Based in Sherborne, you'll be working in one of Dorset's most attractive market towns. With excellent transport links, a vibrant community, and the stunning Dorset countryside on your doorstep, it offers an enviable quality of life outside of work. The cost of living is lower than major cities, and you'll have the space to build a life, not just a career.
Support & Development
You won't be left to figure things out alone. You'll have:
A variety of mentors within the team
Regular one-to-one reviews and feedback sessions
Structured study time
Full financial support for exam fees and study materials
Access to industry-leading training resources
A team environment where questions, opinions and ideas are encouraged
Application Process
We're accepting applications for our 2026 graduate programme starting in Summer 2026.
If all the above has landed well with you, we’d love you to get in touch and to submit your CV and cover letter explaining why financial planning interests you. Your initial contact point is with cliff@ffp.org.uk
Then, we will arrange:
An initial telephone conversation
Face-to-face interview at our Sherborne office
Meet the team session
Our promise to you is that we will reply and contact everyone that applies.
Application deadline: March / April 2026
Programme starts: Summer 2026
Alfie’s Story
Hi, I’m Alfie, I’m 22, and I recently completed my Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning - but this definitely wasn’t the path I expected to take.
What I’ve learned is that it’s completely normal not to have everything figured out while still in education.
I tried a few things but didn’t get the vibe from them. It was when I was researching new career options, I came across the world of financial planning. I’d always had an interest in finance, so I looked into it more. I took the steps to study the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Diploma from home in order to work my way into the industry.
I got myself a job as a postman and studied for the Diploma in my spare time. After passing my first two CII exams, I applied to local firms and soon got an interview with Fort Financial Planning, where I was offered a full time job. Admittedly there wasn’t a Graduate Programme in place then, but FFP were willing to give me a chance.
I joined FFP in November 2023, they continued to support my CII studying alongside me working there, which was so beneficial as I could see where things fitted in. The blend of study and gaining experience on the job worked so well for me - and I was being paid!
What I love about financial planning is how personal and rewarding it is. You get to help real people make good decisions and build their futures - and not enough young people even know this career exists.
If I hadn’t explored different paths, I never would have found a career I genuinely love - and you might be the same.
“What I’ve learned is that it’s completely normal not to have everything figured out while still in education”
Upload Your C.V.
We are always on the look out for new talent!
Please feel free to send us your C.V.