Fidelity Life’s Career connect programme welcomes record numbers of adviser talent and scholarship recipients

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Media release

23 May 2025

Fidelity Life, New Zealand’s largest locally owned life insurer, has announced the fourth intake of its adviser programme, Career connect, for new advisers. This year sees the programme expand to welcome its largest cohort to date—30 emerging advisers—while awarding a record eight scholarships to support greater diversity and representation in the financial advice industry.

The company will also soon invite adviser businesses to join the Career connect registry; to signal their interest in offering work experience opportunities to newly qualified financial advisers.

“By taking part, advice businesses play a vital role in mentoring fresh talent,” says Fidelity Life Head of Solutions Michelle Doyle.

“It helps new advisers gain industry experience and build confidence as they transition into the profession.”

Michelle Doyle says the Career connect programme has gone from strength to strength, attracting overwhelming interest this year, with more than 70 submissions from people across New Zealand –70% more than last year.

“It’s fantastic to see such strong and growing interest in the programme.”

This year’s submissions have also seen the programme attracting greater diversity, with 56% of applicants under the age of 35, 62% coming from female applicants and just under 30 ethnicities represented.

“We’re proud to see our ongoing commitment to diversity and equality reflected in those we’re attracting. By helping to broaden the representation among financial advisers, we hope to make professional financial advice more accessible to more New Zealanders,” says Michelle.

Since its first intake in 2023, Career connect has supported nearly 40 individuals to gain their Level 5 qualification in life, disability and health insurance. With 60% of graduates securing roles in the industry, and 87% being female, the programme is helping shape careers and strengthening the diversity in the financial advice sector.

The Career connect programme awarded eight scholarships this year, up from seven last year, with each valued at up to $5,000. Fidelity Life welcomes the support of Farmers Mutual Group (FMG) and Kaplan Professional for three of the scholarships. FMG supports a rural candidate for the third consecutive year, while Kaplan Professional has this year strengthened its support of women, by adding a second Women in Finance scholarship.

The recipients of the 2025 Career connect scholarships are:

Grace Leaso, Auckland - Kōwhai scholarship (for an outstanding Pasifika applicant)
Grace Shearer, Hastings - Toe Toe scholarship (for an outstanding young applicant aged 21-25)
Jada Mandery, Auckland - Women in Finance scholarship (supported by Kaplan Professional)
Marcel Stenning, Auckland - Pāua scholarship (for outstanding applicant demonstrating excellence)
Michelle Andrews, Auckland - Women in Finance scholarship (supported by Kaplan Professional)
Milly Elworthy, Mosgiel – Rural scholarship (supported by FMG)
Olivera Vasic-Wooller, Auckland - Rāngi Po scholarship (for an underrepresented community in financial services)
TK Buchanan, Christchurch - Pounamu scholarship (for an outstanding Māori applicant)

The 2025 cohort of 30 will start their journey this week. Over the next six months, they’ll take on part-time study to earn their Level 5 qualification through Kaplan Professional. Fidelity Life will host a graduation ceremony early next year to celebrate their accomplishments.