For a novice to finish better would make a change (5)
I believe the answer is:
alter
'make a change' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'for a novice to finish better' is the wordplay.
'for' becomes 'a' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'a novice' becomes 'L' (as in a learner driver with L-plates on their car).
'to finish' suggests halving the letters.
'better' with half the letters taken is 'ter'.
'a'+'l'+'ter'='ALTER'
'would' acts as a link.
I am not very happy about this link. It may be part of another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for alter that I've seen before include "Change or adjust" , "Metamorphose" , "Bout of extravagant spending" , "shift" , "Alert to change" .)