R05 Qualification & free PFS student membership

We’re supporting students to complete a recognised financial planning qualification focused on financial protection – a key first step into the profession and a pathway towards achieving the Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. The R05 module also aims to build essential financial literacy skills for the future.

In addition, we are providing free professional membership to help students begin their journey into the profession and access a wide range of member benefits, including CPD events, networking opportunities and mentoring.

Please complete this form to find out more and register your interest for the programme.

UpReach support

We will be working with upReach, an award-winning social mobility charity, to identify students from disadvantaged backgrounds to fill some of the 500 R05 spaces.

Internship support

We will support growth in meaningful internship opportunities by encouraging firms to offer paid placements. Through good practice guidance, promotion and outreach, we will help expand access to early careers experiences within financial services – building confidence, practical skills and career readiness for aspiring professionals.

If you are a member organisation and are interested in finding out more about hosting placements and how we can support you, please complete this form with your details.

Coventry University Scholarships

We're supporting a new scholarship programme with Coventry University that promotes structured pathways into the financial planning profession. This initiative reflects our commitment to both talent development and public financial education – raising awareness of financial planning as a career choice, increasing accessibility to higher education and preparing the next generation of financial professionals.

If you are interested in finding out more about the scholarship programme and how to apply, please contact Lien Luu at ac1648@coventry.ac.uk 

Tomorrow’s Finance Professional Symposium

We will be launching a dedicated student focused "Tomorrow's Finance Professional" symposium as part of the PFS Festival of Financial Planning in 2026, to showcase the profession at its best. With TED style talks, employer insights and guidance on the various entry points into the sector including apprenticeships, the event will connect aspiring students with the inspiration, information and networks to take their first step into financial planning and advisory roles. More information on this will be provided in 2026.

UCAS collaboration

We are collaborating with UCAS to raise awareness of careers in financial services amongst students exploring their next steps – whether that’s university or apprenticeships or entry level roles within the workforce. With a dedicated presence on the UCAS website which attracts over 750,000 annual visitors researching their future career paths, our professional body pages will promote early career opportunities, feature a live jobs board and will be supported by targeted marketing campaigns throughout the year, helping young people discover rewarding roles within the sector.

Career returners programme

We are looking to support individuals returning to work after a career break, whether that is due to parental leave, health leave or post redundancy. We will support the provision of tailored guidance, resources and training to help them re-enter the profession with confidence. We will be hosting an interactive webinar with Everywoman at the end of September. Please register your interest. 

Outreach collateral

We’re equipping our volunteers and outreach network with new, engaging materials to support impactful careers events in schools, colleges, and communities across the UK.

If you are delivering outreach activities on behalf of the PFS and would like to request collateral please email volunteers@thepfs.org 

My Personal Finance Skills & Duke of Edinburgh Workshops

We’re expanding our financial education programme to reach even more young people. This will include updated workshops, enhanced partnerships - such as with the Duke of Edinburgh Award - and two new sessions for volunteers, which will not only educate but also promote financial planning as a career of choice.

If you are a PFS member and would like to find out how you can get involved and volunteer as an ‘education champion’, more information can be found on My Personal Finance Skills and you can sign up via the outreach programmes team on volunteers@thepfs.org 

Careers Website & resource hub

We’re revamping all of our careers pages and online tools to better support students, educators, and career changers exploring the world of financial planning.

We will begin this development work at the beginning of 2026.