Raymond James has a new training and development program for registered service associates who want to explore careers as financial advisors.

The pilot program aims to help address two industry issues: attracting more women into the profession and providing potential successors for retiring advisors, says the firm.

Participants are paired with a mentor who is on the Women’s Network Advisory Council, participate in conference calls, complete multiple online educational tutorials and attend the annual Women’s Symposium in the fall. After six months, they begin training for the Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation and sit for the exam.

“We want to create a career path for service associates who want to advance,” said Tash Elwyn president of Raymond James & Associates Private Client Group.