Level 3 Financial Services Administrator

APPRENTICESHIPS

Level 3 Financial Services Administrator Apprenticeship

Gain the skills and knowledge to provide high-quality adminitrative support to financial organisations, delivering compliant and efficient service. An ideal entry point into the financial services sector with excellent progression opportunities.

For Employers

Build the skilled, compliant talent your business needs to grow.

For Apprentices

Turn your ambition into a long-term financial services career.

Level 3 (A-level equivalent)

12 month duration

Ideal early-careers programme

Funding available up to £10,000 (subject to eligibility)

CertCII (FS) Part Funded Option CertCII (FS) is a non-mandatory qualification offering, so it is not required to complete the apprenticeship programme. Training and materials are covered under the Department for Education funding rules, however examinations are not covered and would be payable by the employer. This is inline with Rule 112.8 which explicitly excludes "registration, examination, certification and re-sits" from being funded for non-mandatory qualifications.

What will apprentices learn?

Develop practical knowledge and in-demand skills aligned to the apprenticeship standard

Core financial services knowledge inc regulations
Working with customers and supporting great outcomes
Compliance, ethics and professional conduct
Business administration and data management
Practical skills for long term progression

How Skills Edge supports success

Expert support, real-world learning and the flexibility to fit around your workplace.

Core learning outcomes and milestones

Module 01: The Financial Services Administrator Role

Apprentices will understand the role and responsibilities of a Financial Services Administrator and how their work supports colleagues, customers and the wider organisation. They will also be introduced to the knowledge, skills and behaviours they will develop throughout the apprenticeship.

Duration: 1 week
Off-the-job training: 2 hours
Workshops: 1
E-learning modules: 0
Assessments: 0

Module 02: Financial Services Markets, Regulation and Conduct

Apprentices will explore how the UK financial services sector operates, the organisations and regulators that shape it, and why effective regulation and professional conduct are essential. They will develop an understanding of the FCA, PRA, Consumer Duty and the regulatory responsibilities that influence their day-to-day work.

Duration: 3 weeks
Off-the-job training: 12 hours
Workshops: 1
E-learning modules: 1
Assessments: 2, Financial Services Market and Regulation & Compliance

Module 03: Planning, Communicating and Managing Data

Apprentices will develop practical techniques for planning, prioritising and organising their workload while working accurately and efficiently. They will also learn how to work with and communicate information and data effectively to support colleagues, customers and business activities.

Duration: 2 weeks
Off-the-job training: 9 hours
Workshops: 1
E-learning modules: 1
Assessments: 1, Planning and Organising

Module 04: The Financial Advice Process and Client Lifecycle

Apprentices will learn how customers progress through the financial advice process, from initial contact and fact-finding through to research, recommendations, implementation and ongoing reviews. They will understand how the administrator supports both the adviser and customer throughout the client lifecycle.

Duration: 2 weeks
Off-the-job training: 9 hours
Workshops: 1
E-learning modules: 1
Assessments: 1, Financial Advice Process and Client Lifecycle

Module 05: Savings, Investments and Sustainable Finance

Apprentices will develop their knowledge of savings, investment and pension products and understand the relationship between risk, return and customer needs. They will also explore sustainable and ethical approaches to financial services and how these considerations can influence financial decisions.

Duration: 2 weeks
Off-the-job training: 9 hours
Workshops: 1
E-learning modules: 1
Assessments: 1, Sustainable Practice

Module 06: Borrowing, Mortgages, Loans and Protection

Apprentices will explore the main forms of borrowing, mortgage products and financial protection available to customers. They will learn about different product features, interest rate options and protection needs, helping them understand how suitable financial products support different customer circumstances.

Duration: 2 weeks
Off-the-job training: 9 hours
Workshops: 1
E-learning modules: 1
Assessments: 1, Products and Services

Module 07: Systems and Risk Management

Apprentices will learn how financial services organisations use systems and processes to deliver accurate, secure and compliant administration. They will explore UK GDPR, data protection and risk management, including how to identify potential problems, maintain accurate records and escalate issues appropriately.

Duration: 4 weeks
Off-the-job training: 15 hours
Workshops: 1
E-learning modules: 1
Assessments: 3, Systems and Processes, Professional Development evidence and Mitigating Risks

Module 08: Customer Service, Communication and Relationships

Apprentices will develop the communication and relationship-building skills required to deliver excellent customer service and work effectively with different stakeholders. They will explore challenging customer scenarios, effective communication techniques, equality, diversity and inclusion, and how to build positive and professional relationships.

Duration: 5 weeks
Off-the-job training: 19 hours
Workshops: 1
E-learning modules: 2
Assessments: 3, Supporting Positive Outcomes, Positive Stakeholder Relationships, and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Module 09: Problem Solving and Projects

Apprentices will learn how to approach workplace projects in a structured and effective way. They will develop techniques for defining objectives, solving problems, planning activities, managing deadlines and communicating effectively with stakeholders throughout a project.

Duration: 1 week
Off-the-job training: 6 hours
Workshops: 1
E-learning modules: 1
Assessments: 1 operational project

Module 10: Teamworking, Collaboration and Professional Development

Apprentices will explore what makes teams effective and how they can contribute positively, collaborate with colleagues and support others. They will also learn how feedback, coaching and continuous professional development help maintain professional competence and support long-term career development.

Duration: 3 weeks
Off-the-job training: 12 hours
Workshops: 1
E-learning modules: 1
Assessments: 2, Teamworking & Collaboration and Continuous Professional Development

READY TO GET STARTED?

Enquire about the Level 3 Financial Services Administrator Apprenticeship

Speak to our team to find out more about the programme, funding options and how we can support you or your business.

Download the full road-map

Eligibility, Suitability and Funding

Apprenticeship Requirements

Aged 16 or over
Employed in England and meeting residency/right-to-work requirements
In a suitable role that supports the required apprenticeship skills and knowledge
Has enough new learning to justify the apprenticeship
Has sufficient time to complete the programme and assessment
Not undertaking another apprenticeship or conflicting publicly funded training
Paid at least the legal minimum wage

Qualifications

5 GCSEs at Grade 4 / C or above
English Level 2 or above
Maths Level 2 or above

Experience

No prior experience required
Work experience within an office environment is desirable

Non-Levy Funding

For firms with an annual pay bill of less than £3 million.

16 – 24 year olds are fully funded
25 or older, £500 + VAT payable
Incentives available

Levy Funding

For firms with an annual pay bill of £3 million or more.

16 – 24 year olds are fully funded
25 or older are funded until levy exhausted after which 25% of remaining funding is payable

Upcoming course start dates

03/12/2026

Deadline for applications:
19/11/2026.

10/12/2026

Deadline for applications:
27/11/2026.

Supporting your career in financial services

The financial services sector offers a wide range of rewarding career opportunities. This apprentices give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to get started and progress.

Learn more about the financial services career pathways open to you once completing this apprenticeship, including Mortgage Adviser, Compliance Officer, Paraplanner and Financial Adviser.

Enquire about this course

Employer or potential apprentice? Make a general enquiry about this course.

Arrange a meeting

Employer, learning development or hiring manager? Book a meeting with one of our advisers to discuss your apprenticeship and training requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Non-levy and Levy funding?

Levy employers have an annual payroll of over £3 million and pay the Apprenticeship Levy at 0.5% of their pay bill. They can use funds in their Apprenticeship Service account to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment.

Non-levy employers have an annual payroll of £3 million or less and do not pay the levy. The government funds most or all of the apprenticeship training cost.

For non-levy employers, apprentices aged 16 to 24 are currently funded at 100% up to the funding band maximum. For apprentices aged 25+, the employer normally contributes 5% and the government pays 95%.

If a levy employer runs out of levy funds, different co-investment rules apply. For apprentices aged 25+, the government currently contributes 75%, with the employer contributing the balance up to the funding band maximum.

What is protected off-the-job training?

Protected off-the-job training is dedicated learning time that apprentices must receive during their normal paid working hours, away from their productive job duties. It must develop new knowledge, skills and behaviours directly relevant to the apprenticeship standard. Whilst some employer-led activities can contribute to these planned hours, where a qualification is involved apprentices often need 6 – 7 hours per week away from their workplace duties to study effectively.

The Apprenticeships (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2017 place off-the-job training on a statutory footing, requiring it to form part of an approved English apprenticeship and to be specified within the apprenticeship agreement, mandating this time must take place during normal working hours.

For apprentices starting from 1 August 2025, the previous blanket 20% calculation has been replaced by a minimum number of off-the-job training hours for each apprenticeship standard.