Financial Planning Practitioner Program

Build practical expertise in financial planning through hands-on learning. Starting September 2025, this program takes you from foundational concepts to client-ready capabilities over twelve months.

12 months, part-time study

8-12 hours weekly commitment

Limited to 28 participants

Your Learning Journey

We've structured this program around four distinct phases. Each builds on what came before, and you'll spend roughly three months in each stage working through real scenarios.

Foundation Building

You'll start with the core principles that underpin sound financial planning. We cover regulatory frameworks, ethical standards, and the basics of client assessment. Think of this as learning the language before having conversations.

Australian regulatory environment

Client needs analysis fundamentals

Professional ethics framework

Technical Development

Here's where things get more detailed. You'll work through investment strategies, tax planning approaches, and retirement structures. We use actual client scenarios from our practice to show how theory meets reality.

Investment portfolio construction

Superannuation strategies

Tax-effective structures

Client Interaction Practice

By month seven, you're ready to practice client-facing skills. We run simulated meetings where you'll present recommendations, handle objections, and adjust plans based on feedback. It's uncomfortable at first but incredibly valuable.

Presentation skills development

Advice documentation standards

Client communication techniques

Capstone Integration

The final months involve creating comprehensive financial plans from start to finish. You'll take a client case through discovery, analysis, strategy development, and presentation. This becomes part of your professional portfolio.

Complete plan development

Professional portfolio creation

Peer review process

Collaborative Learning

Most sessions involve group work where you'll tackle problems together and learn from different perspectives.

Financial planning software and tools used in practical exercises

Real-World Tools

You'll get hands-on experience with the software and platforms that financial planners actually use in practice.

Questions People Usually Ask

We've organized these by where you might be in your decision-making process. Some things you'll want to know before enrolling, others might come up during or after the program.

Before You Start

What background do I need to have?

Most participants come from business, finance, or accounting backgrounds. We don't expect you to have planning experience, but comfort with numbers and basic financial concepts helps. If you've worked in banking, insurance, or administration roles, you'll likely adapt quickly.

How much time will this actually take each week?

Plan for 8 to 12 hours weekly. That includes two evening sessions (about 5 hours total) plus independent study and assignment work. Some weeks are heavier than others, particularly around major projects.

Can I work full-time while doing this program?

Yes, and most participants do. We've designed the schedule around people who have day jobs. Sessions run Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00 PM Brisbane time, with recorded options if you occasionally need to catch up.

During the Program

What if I fall behind or struggle with a concept?

You'll have access to instructors through weekly office hours and an online forum where questions usually get answered within a few hours. We also pair participants as study partners for mutual support.

Are there exams or formal assessments?

Rather than traditional exams, you'll complete practical assignments and case studies throughout the program. The capstone project in your final term serves as the major assessment piece and becomes part of your professional work.

Will I get feedback on my work?

Every assignment includes detailed written feedback, and you'll have review sessions where we discuss your approach. Peer review is also built into later stages so you learn from seeing others' work.

After Completion

What credentials will I have when I finish?

You'll receive a program completion certificate and a portfolio of work samples. This program contributes toward professional development requirements, though you'll need to check specific licensing requirements with regulatory bodies for your situation.

Does this guarantee I'll find work as a financial planner?

No program can guarantee employment outcomes. What we provide is solid training and practical experience. Your job prospects depend on your local market, existing connections, continued learning, and how you position yourself professionally.

Do you offer any ongoing support after the program ends?

Alumni can join our quarterly professional development sessions and maintain access to course materials for two years. We also run an informal mentoring network where graduates can connect with practicing planners.

Lead Instructor

Kaspar Thornridge

Financial Planning Specialist

I've spent fifteen years working with clients across different life stages and financial situations. Started out in institutional wealth management before moving into private practice. Now I split my time between client work and teaching because, honestly, I learn as much from students' questions as they learn from my experience.

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

15 years industry experience

Regular speaker at FPA events

Kaspar Thornridge leading financial planning workshop session

Kaspar Thornridge consulting with program participants

Applications Open May 2025

The September 2025 cohort is limited to 28 participants. We'll start reviewing applications in early May and make decisions on a rolling basis. Get in touch if you'd like to discuss whether this program fits your situation.