Alphera Financial Services has launched a new online finance and insurance (F&I) training programme, ‘Funding Essential Skills'.

The new digital course aimed at motor finance sales executives, is designed to help delegates understand finance products and deliver them to customers in a compliant way.

The course can be accessed via the Alphera website and covers three main e-learning modules: ‘Knowing the FCA and your responsibilities’, ‘Funding products for your Customers’ and ‘Qualifying and presenting funding’.

Nick Hunt, head of partner training at Alphera Financial Services, said: “We’ve all become more comfortable with digital platforms over the last 12 months, and there’s no reason why training platforms can’t also reflect changes in behaviour brought on by the pandemic.

“By moving our ‘Funding Essential Skills’ programme online, our delegates can complete the e-learning modules at any time of the day, making the training more flexible to fit in with lifestyles and work commitments, and to help dealer staffing levels.”

Alphera recorded its best-ever annual performance in 2020, despite facing challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

Once each module has been completed, delegates will be assessed by an online validation. Upon successful completion, delegates receive a Professional Achievement Certificate from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and Complimentary Affiliate Membership for one year.

At the end of 2020, Alphera confirmed it would offer one rate of finance and one rate of commission from January 2021, in response to the Financial Conduct Authority’s ban on all discretionary commission (DiC) models.

During 2020, the company launched its first ever finance product to encourage the transition to more sustainable forms of mobility. Alphera Zero allows consumers to purchase a used hybrid or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and help offset its remaining carbon emissions from driving throughout their term of ownership – at no cost to them.

The company said the programme can also be used as a refresher course for dealer sales staff on furlough until shows rooms re-open in April.

Kirk Franks, head of national sales at Alphera, said: “This course is a fantastic opportunity to learn the basics of car finance, and as a great refresher for any F&I specialist on furlough.

“The FCA won’t accept compromise when it comes to treating customers fairly in line with the new regulations, so it is the individual’s responsibility to make sure they’re back up-to-speed, but at a time that suits them thanks to the online nature of the course.

“We’ve already seen much interest from our partners and we look forward to welcoming more delegates to help ensure a universal high level of competency when showrooms re-open.”

Last year, BMW Group Financial Services general manager for digital, sales channels and insurance, Preston Rogers, was appointed as the new head of Alphera. 

When delegates have completed the Funding Essential Skills programme and receive the Professional Achievement Certificate from the IMI, they can progress to the F&I Advisor – Pathway to IMI Accreditation programme.

For more information on the programme, email imitraining@alphera.co.uk