#United States #St. Louis #Edward Jones #Professional Development #Training APEX Award

Edward Jones Recognized for Excellence in Training and Development

Edward Jones, a prominent financial services firm, has recently been honored as a winner of the 2025 Training APEX Award. This accolade reflects the firm's unwavering dedication to fostering learning and professional growth among its associates. The recognition was announced during the Training 2025 Conference and Expo held in Orlando, Florida, highlighting Edward Jones' commitment to creating effective training programs that benefit both employees and the clients they serve.

The Training APEX Awards, presented by Training magazine, are aimed at organizations that demonstrate excellence in creating programs which support the development of employees through effective training. Edward Jones achieved an impressive ranking of 17th among awardees, showcasing their best practices in the realm of professional development and continuous learning.

Suzan McDaniel, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Edward Jones, emphasized the importance of their training approach, stating, "Our learning and development strategy is centered on providing our colleagues with the necessary tools and resources to foster both personal and professional growth. This enables them to serve our clients more comprehensively." She further elaborated that the firm is keen to nurture a culture of continuous learning, demonstrating their commitment to maximizing the potential of their workforce.

In 2024, Edward Jones made significant strides in enhancing its learning initiatives with the introduction of several key programs:

• - Day of Development: This firmwide event engaged nearly 3,000 associates in skill-building sessions focused on leadership, technical training, and professional development.
• - Trimester Challenge: Enhanced to include branch associates and financial advisors, this program provided ongoing education and activities aligned with branch objectives. It supported over 15,000 Client Support Team (CST) professionals in skill enhancement and the adoption of Salesforce tools.
• - Industry Certifications: Edward Jones has made noteworthy progress in increasing the number of professionals achieving the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® or CFP® designation, now boasting over 4,500 associates with this accreditation. The firm offers tuition assistance and provides practice exams in conjunction with the CFP® Board, demonstrating its commitment to developing knowledgeable professionals.
• - Universal JonesStart: This onboarding program aimed to unify branch and home office associates, enhance collaboration, and strengthen the collective understanding of the company’s mission.

As technology continues to evolve, Edward Jones is adapting its learning strategies to integrate both in-person and virtual training. These programs include leadership workshops and compliance education, ensuring that associates possess the requisite technical skills and leadership developmental tools essential for fulfilling the firm's mission of positively impacting clients, colleagues, and their communities.

The evaluation process for the Training APEX award underscores the importance of a thorough training approach. Criteria for selection include the breadth and effectiveness of training programs, budget allocation, and the tangible business outcomes stemming from these initiatives.

Edward Jones has established itself as a frontrunner in professional development by intertwining innovative practices with practical applications aimed to prepare its associates for the evolving future of work.

As a leading financial services entity with over 20,000 financial advisors across North America, Edward Jones remains committed to improving the lives of its clients, fostering strong community ties, and ensuring a high standard of service through its dedicated team of approximately 54,000 associates. The firm continues to excel by creating an environment where continuous personal and professional development is prioritized, solidifying its reputation as an industry leader in financial services.

To learn more about Edward Jones, visit their official website at edwardjones.com.