The importance of adapting and evolving to thrive on your educational journey
In light of changes to regulatory requirements, advisers should seek to build resilience through collaborative learning and provide support to each other in order to move forward together.
In the last year, the advice industry has witnessed an unprecedented level of disruption brought on by regulatory reforms, structural changes to business models and heightened media scrutiny. These changes have and are continuing to redefine the future of the industry, particularly the way advisers think and operate.
Advisers are no longer just looking for support in articulating the value of their advice to help re-engage with their clients but, more importantly, guidance in meeting new educational requirements.
Through the TAL Risk Academy, we have observed changes in how advisers are approaching learning. Firstly, we are seeing a greater need for group learning and face-to face sessions; where advisers can openly discuss various case studies and issues, whilst networking with peers within the industry.
We are also seeing a distinctive shift in their topics of interest, from previously focusing largely on technical advice issues, to more personal growth topics; such as how to talk to clients about their health, and ways to improve their sales and marketing efforts.
At TAL, we have always believed in providing advisers and their teams with practical support and guidance. Our courses are designed based on their feedback and updated for relevance to ensure we are listening to what the adviser requires support in.
It is this belief and TAL’s experience in education and training that has allowed us to respond quickly to provide support to advisers with new educational requirements.
The year ahead is shaping up to be an even more crucial year for advisers. To this end, we have expanded our course offerings, from an increased range of topics to providing advisers with more interactive learning opportunities, case studies, learning tips and tools, and additional materials to support them for when they sit the FASEA exam.
The 2020 TAL Risk Academy program is returning with more than 80 courses including new offerings such as an Ethics and Dilemmas Masterclass and a course to help advisers integrate the Professional Year requirements into their businesses.
Personally, I would encourage advisers to go on this education journey together. Group learning has many benefits, especially when it comes to preparing for the FASEA exam, which for many is a potentially daunting and stressful task. Our job at the Risk Academy is to provide advisers with the best learning environment and to continually adapt to the changing industry and adviser needs. We have seen more than 14,500 attendees to TAL Risk Academy since it launched, with over 2,500 advisers participating in the FASEA masterclasses since July 2019, and will continue to build on the success we have achieved in improving the quality of advice for all Australians.
What’s even more rewarding for us is that with each of the TAL Risk Academy masterclasses attracting a small fee, we have been able to raise more than $450,000 for our charity partner, The Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN), to support the education of Australia’s future generations. ABCN is a not-for-profit organisation that connects businesses with disadvantaged children to improve their education through mentor and partnership programs.
By providing specialised education and up-to-the-moment training, TAL Risk Academy is helping advisers build a stronger, more prosperous industry for us all – and ultimately, a better future for all Australians. If you are interested in our latest 2020 TAL Risk Academy prospectus or would like to learn more about the TAL Risk Academy here.
HEAD OF LICENSEES AND PARTNERSHIPS
Beau Riley