Life insurer TAL has created a training program offering courses for advisers at various stages of their careers.

The TAL Risk Academy has been 18 months in development and combines current courses with a number of new additions.

There are three programs: the Essential Program for new advisers and support staff; the Advice Program offering more advanced client and insurance strategies; and the “Masters” Program on thinking and strategy. The latter is not university-recognised.

TAL has developed the courses and materials in-house. They are accredited by the Association of Financial Advisers, with 34 continuing professional development points available.

GM Retail Distribution Niall McConville says the academy is a response to adviser requests.

“A recent CoreData Risk Research study found more than two-thirds of advisers intend to embark on further professional development, so we knew there was a strong demand for this kind of high-quality and targeted course,” he said.

“TAL is cognisant of its responsibility to play a leadership role in the industry.”

Mr McConville says TAL has a long history of working with advisers to serve consumers.

“Higher professional standards benefit everyone: advisers, their clients and the industry as a whole. The launch of TAL’s Risk Academy is just one way we will continue to support advisers to provide better life insurance advice and products to Australians.”