Merrill Lynch (NYSE: MER), Wells Fargo Advisors (NYSE: WFC) and Edward Jones plan to ramp up trainee recruiting in 2011, Registered Rep. has learned. It comes at a time when a number of currents in the business are converging to create what many predict will be a talent crunch. The financial advisor population is aging, with the average advisor nearing retirement age, the retirements of the baby boomer generation are expected to increase demand for financial advice, and the recruiting deals being offered to experienced advisors at rival firms are still at record highs.