Becoming a Financial Adviser - Catch 22

[Orchid1]

I've been looking to make the move into a financial advisory type career. I know a good starting point would be to study and achieve the Diploma in Financial Planning qualification from the CII however i've noticed that a lot of trainee jobs advertised would like you to have or be working towards some kind of qualification plus have some experience already.

The problem is trying to gain any kind of relevant experience as any kind of financial or paraplanning job would only really like people working in that kind of field already whereas I have more of an insurance background.

Would firms be keen on someone who shows the initiative to undertake the qualification themselves or am I being naive and it's something that's quite tricky to switch to?

[anothernameitist]

Why don't you look at jobs in Banks, menial to start with and then work your way up