New Zealand-based life insurer Fidelity Life has commenced the fourth intake of its adviser development initiative, Career Connect.
Thirty new participants have joined the 2025 cohort – marking the highest number since the programme’s introduction in 2023.
Over the next six months, the participants will complete part-time training toward the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5), with a focus on life, health, and disability insurance.
Michelle Doyle (pictured), head of solutions at Fidelity Life, said the programme is designed to help newcomers establish themselves in the sector.
“By taking part, advice businesses play a vital role in mentoring fresh talent,” she said. “It helps new advisers gain industry experience and build confidence as they transition into the profession.”
A graduation ceremony is scheduled for early 2026 to formally recognise the completion of the programme.
Fidelity Life reported a 70% increase in applications compared to the previous year, with over 70 expressions of interest submitted nationwide.
The insurer highlighted a notable increase in demographic diversity: more than half of applicants were under the age of 35, 62% were women, and nearly 30 ethnic groups were represented.
Doyle noted the demographic shift is consistent with the firm’s goal to improve representation within the advice profession.
“We’re proud to see our ongoing commitment to diversity and equality reflected in those we’re attracting. By helping to broaden the representation among financial advisers, we hope to make professional financial advice more accessible to more New Zealanders,” she said.
Since its inception, Career Connect has helped close to 40 participants earn their qualifications, with around 60% securing roles in the industry – many of them women.
Eight scholarships, each valued up to $5,000, were awarded to selected 2025 participants, representing an increase from seven the previous year.
Partners in the scholarship initiative include FMG and Kaplan Professional, which contribute targeted support for rural candidates and women in finance.
The 2025 scholarship recipients include:
Career Connect also facilitates introductions between programme graduates and advice businesses across New Zealand.
More than 40 firms have opted into a registry to consider hosting or employing new advisers.
Fidelity Life reports that over half of those seeking employment post-programme have found roles in the industry.
Sydnee Taylor, a 2024 graduate now employed at Amicus Financial in Christchurch, said the programme was instrumental in preparing her for client-facing work.
“My first few weeks at Amicus has been full-on but fulfilling. It’s been so rewarding to put my knowledge from Career Connect into practice. I’m gaining such great on-the-job experience and am thrilled to build on that by attending and taking part in the FANZ National Adviser Conference. This is an exciting time of growth in my new career,” she said.
Amicus Financial director Nick Wells said Career Connect offers firms access to candidates who are both technically prepared and committed to client outcomes.
“As an employer, we’re thrilled that we have the opportunity to recruit from Career connect and have Sydnee join our team at Amicus Financial. It’s exciting to see someone so passionate about helping others, and we’re proud to be part of her journey,” he said.
Career Connect is part of Fidelity Life’s Adviser Edge framework, which supports workforce development in the financial advice sector.
