The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) has launched a Motor Finance Specialist apprenticeship.

The one-to-two year apprenticeship offers employment and training in the fast-growing finance sector.

It is the culmination of 18-months collaboration between FLA members, brokers, dealers and professional bodies.

Adrian Dally, head of motor finance at the FLA, said: “The Apprenticeship Standard will help to attract new talent who want to build their careers in motor finance. This kind of commitment to the industry is good for competition, customer service and the responsible provision of credit that is central to this market.”

Modules within the apprenticeship include finance specialists, working for a lender, or retail specialists, who liaise directly with car buyers in the dealerships.

A new section on the FLA’s website provides all the necessary information that firms will need to get their apprenticeship programmes underway – including contact details for three training providers who have already signed up to help employers develop tailor-made courses, along with advice on how to hire apprentices.

Sue Husband, director of the National Apprenticeship Service, said: “Through apprenticeships, we’re making it easier for employers to attract a diverse range of apprentices, helping them to acquire top talent and tackle skills shortages associated with an ageing workforce by training and upskilling. The Motor Finance Specialist Apprenticeship offers the opportunity to specialise in a key growth area of the automotive industry, with learning outcomes spanning the sale of motor finance products, financial regulation and compliance and customer service.

“With recent reforms to apprenticeships firmly focused on improving quality in the system and giving employers the skills they need, there has never been a better time to take on an apprentice.”