Financial services giant MLC has celebrated the graduation of 23 new financial advisers from its Adviser Scholarship Program.

The two-year program was launched in 2005 and aims to fast-track talent within MLC’s licensee businesses by offering a structured career path to new financial advisers.

The National Australia Bank-owned company says the program provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in the core areas of client engagement and communication, negotiation and practice management. It is also designed to improve their strategic and technical knowledge.

“Lifting education standards for new advisers is a key part of increasing professionalism in the advice industry,” MLC Head of New Adviser Development Adam McGuren said.

The seventh intake of the program will begin in July.