An Aberdeen-based 21-year-old Scot from Acumen Financial Planning has become one of the youngest people to complete their financial diploma.

Andrew McRae originally joined Acumen on a one-week work placement.

He has passed his RO2 Level 4 in regulated Financial Planning with the Chartered Insurance Institute.

He joined the Acumen team as a Financial Planning Administrator whilst studying for three years.

During his time at the firm he has sat eight exams.

He is now a trainee paraplanner, one of a team of 23 Paraplanners at the firm.

Mr McRae said being supported through his training and exams offered an attractive alternative to his original plan of going to university.

He said: “The chance to work for a highly accredited firm full time whilst also being supported through my training and completing exams was something I felt was too good to refuse and a real alternative to going to University.

“I could tell from my work experience that Acumen was a company that was willing to give young people an opportunity to enter this industry and provide a platform for their employees to achieve success in their careers.

“I am delighted how my choice to join Acumen straight from school has turned out, and I am looking forward to continuing my development with more exams and training in my new role.”

Nicola Doohan, recruitment and development manager at Acumen, said Mr McRae’s progress demonstrates the benefit of providing work experience placement opportunities as a way of attracting young talent into the Financial Planning profession.

Acumen is currently looking for a new trainee to join their Scottish head office.

The Financial Planning firm recently signed up to The Young Person’s Guarantee, which is a commitment to bring together employers, partners and young people across Scotland.

Acumen is part of The Financial Planning Group which includes Acumen Financial Planning, Acumen Employee Benefits, SpringGen Advice Ltd, Medical & Dental, Enrich Tax Consultancy and Loch Fyne Financial Ltd.