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Learners FAQs

What is the National Skills Academy for Financial Services? (NSAFS)

The NSAFS is the UK’s leading financial services training provider. We offer national centres of excellence in skills training and development and work with a national network of training providers to deliver the workforce the knowledge and skills that it needs to match the best in the world.

What’s different about the NSAFS?

The NSAFS is an employer-led educational charity. Over 60 financial services businesses, from small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to multinational companies, are directly involved at a regional or national level through employer boards that support our work.

Many more companies support the NSAFS through direct sponsorship. These companies include:

  • Alan Boswell Group
  • Cattles plc
  • Countrywide Legal
  • Ipswich Building Society
  • Norwich and Peterborough Building Society
  • Aviva Norwich
  • Aviva York
  • Stadia Trustees
  • Virgin Money
  • YFM Group.

How can I train at the NSAFS?

NSAFS programmes are open to:

  • school and college leavers
  • graduates
  • adult learners
  • new entrants
  • existing employees
  • people changing careers

How can I access training?

Training is delivered through a network of more than twenty regional training providers. Many are further education colleges, others are specialists in specific areas of training for the industry who can deliver the courses over the seven regions in England.

How can I find out about my nearest NSAFS training provider?

You can read the full list of NSAFS training providers where there are details of courses across the UK. Within our provider network, we have two purpose-built financial training facilities situated in Norwich and London.

How do I find out about courses?

Our website has a lot of information on training opportunities. You will find details of courses and links to training provider websites. You can also search our interactive database of courses. Our Regional Directors and training providers are happy to help and advise you.

Where do I go if I need more information?

Contact us on 0845 6182353 or e-mail info@nsafs.co.uk if you have any queries about NSAFS courses. We are happy to answer any questions you have.

I’m not currently based in England. Do I qualify?

We hope to expand our network of providers to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland over the coming years. Our website will detail any NSAFS expansion news or developments.

What types of course do you offer?

We offer a range of industry qualifications from professional bodies such as the CII (Chartered Insurance Institute), the CISI (Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment) and the IFS School of Finance as well as broader business qualifications such as a the NSAFS leadership and management programme.

We also offer full-time qualifications including BTECs, Diplomas and NVQs as well as specially developed Apprenticeships and foundation degrees. Study can be part-time or full-time. We also offer personal finance and financial literacy courses for a wider audience.

What exactly is an Apprenticeship?

An Apprenticeship is a great way to combine work and study. Apprenticeships are ideal for those who want to learn by working. Learners who successfully complete the course:

  • achieve a technical certificate central to their job role
  • are tested on work-based competency through a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
  • are supported in achieving softer skills such as numeracy and communication

This adds up to a training programme that responds to the wider skills that employers need. If you are not in work and want to do an Apprenticeship, your local NSAFS may help you find appropriate work. More than 1,000 people have so far started as financial services apprentices and many more will join them.

I don’t have any qualifications. Can I study?

The NSAFS is open to people of all ages regardless of your past academic achievements. While there may be some academic requirements for some programmes, the courses we run are tailored to individual learning levels and needs. A strong emphasis is placed on mentoring and work experience.

On some courses particular focus is given to employability and life skills. We have a dedicated diploma for learners who would like numeracy and literacy skills to support their preparation for a financial services career called the IFS Adult Level 2 Diploma in Financial Services. This is an excellent way to return to work after a break.