The Role
Three-year paid apprenticeship preparing candidates for financial advisor careers through immersive training in wealth management, financial planning, client service, investment strategies, portfolio construction, and practice management. Participants receive coaching, work with senior advisors, support financial planning teams, advise clients, complete licensing exams, and gain branch-office experience. The program may lead to an advisor or other permanent role, but completion does not guarantee employment.
Summary Generated by Built In
D.A. Davidson Companies is an independent, employee-owned company with a rich history spanning 90 years. We are dedicated to conducting our business in accordance with the highest standards of integrity and ethics, and delivering outstanding service to our clients and each other. We support a friendly, open and supportive culture, and encourage candid communication and productive engagement that make our companies and each of us better. Just as we work to improve our clients’ financial well-being, we also work to strengthen local communities—and giving back is one of our core values. You can learn more about our company culture and impact in our latest annual report.
Founded in 1935, D.A. Davidson has been offering personalized wealth management services and solutions rooted in the values, stability, and discipline of our employee-owned company for more than 90 years. The Apprentice Financial Advisor Program is designed to provide a multi-year and multi-faceted training program for individuals looking to join our best-in-class team of Financial Advisors.
The Apprentice Financial Advisor Program is a paid three-year developmental and informative program that prepares our next generation of outstanding Financial Professionals. Training is immersive and hands-on, combining collaborative learning with practical real-life experience, utilizing the tools and technology vital to build an exciting career as a Financial Advisor. Our apprentices receive ongoing coaching and mentorship and have many opportunities to engage and learn from established Financial Advisors at the firm. They also earn the FINRA SIE, Series 7, Series 66, and Insurance Licenses.
Upon completion of the program, Apprentices are positioned for success and well-prepared to start their own practice as a Financial Advisor or join an established financial practice (team or individual) as a producing team member, adding value to the practice by offering straightforward advice, personalized solutions, and investment guidance to new and existing clients.
This is an outstanding opportunity if you are:
• Desiring a career path that eventually leads to the prospect of uncapped compensation
• Seeking comprehensive Financial Advisor training
• Eager to leverage your passion for helping others with your curiosity in the financial services industry
• Team-oriented with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Open to relocation opportunities
• A college graduate within the last three years with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree OR a business professional with 1-3 years of financial services or transferable experience
• Desiring a career path that eventually leads to the prospect of uncapped compensation
• Seeking comprehensive Financial Advisor training
• Eager to leverage your passion for helping others with your curiosity in the financial services industry
• Team-oriented with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Open to relocation opportunities
• A college graduate within the last three years with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree OR a business professional with 1-3 years of financial services or transferable experience
Program Overview
Years 1 and 2 – D.A. Davidson Corporate Office (Seattle, WA)
As an Apprentice Financial Advisor, you will spend the first two years learning the core competencies of wealth management, with a focus on financial planning techniques, client service skills, and technology. You will be provided materials and everything you need to study, sit for, and pass the FINRA SIE, Series 7 and 66 licensing exams, as well as the Washington State insurance exam. Upon completion of the required licensing exams, you may begin studying for an additional professional credential. You will have the choice between the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and the Certified Wealth Strategist® credentials.
Years 1 and 2 – D.A. Davidson Corporate Office (Seattle, WA)
As an Apprentice Financial Advisor, you will spend the first two years learning the core competencies of wealth management, with a focus on financial planning techniques, client service skills, and technology. You will be provided materials and everything you need to study, sit for, and pass the FINRA SIE, Series 7 and 66 licensing exams, as well as the Washington State insurance exam. Upon completion of the required licensing exams, you may begin studying for an additional professional credential. You will have the choice between the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and the Certified Wealth Strategist® credentials.
Year 1 – Seattle
Learn wealth planning techniques and strategies, delve into the complexities of financial and estate planning, and become a specialist on the firm’s financial planning software, MoneyGuidePro®. You will serve as a subject matter expert to Financial Advisors throughout the firm as a vital member of the Planning Resource Center, and more broadly, the Wealth Planning Department. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to work with Sr.
Planners and contribute to in-person training sessions at various branches throughout the system. You will be responsible for creating Davidson-branded collateral on complex financial planning topics, as well as participate in discovery and plan creation alongside the Wealth Planning Group and Davidson Private Wealth.
Learn wealth planning techniques and strategies, delve into the complexities of financial and estate planning, and become a specialist on the firm’s financial planning software, MoneyGuidePro®. You will serve as a subject matter expert to Financial Advisors throughout the firm as a vital member of the Planning Resource Center, and more broadly, the Wealth Planning Department. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to work with Sr.
Planners and contribute to in-person training sessions at various branches throughout the system. You will be responsible for creating Davidson-branded collateral on complex financial planning topics, as well as participate in discovery and plan creation alongside the Wealth Planning Group and Davidson Private Wealth.
Year 2 – Seattle
Serve as a key and valuable member of the Financial Services Representative (FSR) Team, honing your skills by directly advising and guiding clients through investment strategies and proposals, and identifying opportunities to help clients achieve their financial goals.
Serve as a key and valuable member of the Financial Services Representative (FSR) Team, honing your skills by directly advising and guiding clients through investment strategies and proposals, and identifying opportunities to help clients achieve their financial goals.
• During this year you will visit and observe multiple branch locations. This will provide the opportunity to learn and experience the Wealth Management business through different perspectives, and to continue to familiarize yourself and interconnect with our firm’s top producers.
• Participate in intensive training programs in Great Falls, MT, and Seattle with other Trainee Financial Advisors and Apprentices to learn the skills and techniques required for meaningful client interaction, portfolio construction, investment implementation, and practice management.
Throughout your time as a member of our Apprentice team, you will engage with Senior Financial Advisors around the firm to learn about the various aspects and nuances of managing a practice as a Financial Advisor. In your second year, you also will begin discussions with leaders in the firm to determine where you might start a practice on your own or fit into a growing practice.
Year 3 – D.A. Davidson Branch Office Experience (various locations)
The third year of the Apprentice Program is very hands-on and provides practical opportunities to complement your experience in Seattle. During year 3 you will move to an existing D.A. Davidson branch. The chosen branch location is based on many factors including your preference, opportunities and management discretion. The year in the branch will provide the opportunity to learn and experience the Wealth Management business through an on-site branch experience serving in a variety of roles and responsibilities.
The third year of the Apprentice Program is very hands-on and provides practical opportunities to complement your experience in Seattle. During year 3 you will move to an existing D.A. Davidson branch. The chosen branch location is based on many factors including your preference, opportunities and management discretion. The year in the branch will provide the opportunity to learn and experience the Wealth Management business through an on-site branch experience serving in a variety of roles and responsibilities.
Program Completion
At the end of the Program you will have the opportunity to begin your career as a financial advisor or look to continue your career with us in another rewarding capacity that suits your skills and desires.
Completion of the Apprentice Program does not guarantee a permanent role at D.A. Davidson.
The Apprentice interview process is as follows:
September 14 – October 16th, 2026 – Applications accepted
November 2026 – First and second round interviews
December 11, 2026 – Final Panel Interview in Seattle, WA
Final Decisions and Offers by Year End
Monday, July 12, 2027 – Apprentice Program begins in Seattle
Monday, July 12, 2027 – Apprentice Program begins in Seattle
At D.A. Davidson, we are committed to fostering a diverse environment that supports the development and inclusivity of all employees.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Please answer all questions carefully. By submitting this application for employment, I certify that all of the above information is true and complete and I understand that any falsification or omission of information made by me may disqualify me from further consideration for employment or, if hired, may result in my termination of my employment at any time during the period of my employment, regardless of the amount of time that has passed. California applicants, please see D.A. Davidson’s California Resident Privacy Policy.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or master's degree completed within the last three years
- Alternatively, 1-3 years of financial services or transferable professional experience
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Team-oriented approach
- Willingness to relocate, including Seattle and a potential branch location
- Pass FINRA SIE, Series 7, Series 66, and Washington State insurance exams
- Interest in financial services and helping others
D.A. Davidson Companies Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about D.A. Davidson Companies and has not been reviewed or approved by D.A. Davidson Companies.
-
Equity Value & Accessibility — Employee ownership through an ESOP is positioned as a core part of total rewards, complementing cash compensation. Ownership is framed as adding long‑term value alongside other benefits.
-
Retirement Support — 401(k) options and company contributions via profit‑sharing are highlighted as part of the package. Early eligibility and combined ESOP/401(k) design can materially boost long‑term retirement savings when the firm performs well.
-
Parental & Family Support — Paid parental, adoption, and surrogacy leave are explicitly offered. Broader paid time off and holidays are emphasized in role materials.
D.A. Davidson Companies Insights
What's It Like to Work at D.A. Davidson Companies?
D.A. Davidson Companies Culture & Values
D.A. Davidson Companies Career Growth & Development
What's the Work-Life Balance Like at D.A. Davidson Companies?
D.A. Davidson Companies Leadership & Management
D.A. Davidson Companies Company Growth, Stability & Outlook
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
At D.A. Davidson Companies, we identify and evaluate market trends, investment ideas and business opportunities, and turn them into actionable insights and strategies. Founded in 1935 as a small brokerage firm, D.A. Davidson has grown into a diversified financial services company comprised of seven distinct business units across the U.S. Through the years, our most important service has remained consistent: a personalized approach that reflects the individuality of each of our clients. As part of an employee-owned company, each of our associates has a unique perspective of success. We believe in doing what is right for our clients and are empowered to deliver high-impact solutions. We are with our clients every step of the way—leveraging our nationally-recognized research, capital markets and investment banking expertise, and a robust network of financial advisors. Clients not only benefit from our expansive platform of solutions and services, but also from strong values rooted in tradition and a deep sense of responsibility to our communities.
