Insurance industry unveils new government-backed apprenticeships

Insurance-industry-unveils-new-government-backed-apprenticeships-framework

Launch marks the culmination of ground-breaking 18 month collaboration between Aon, CII, BIBA and ABI

Government recognises the work of Aon and insurance apprenticeship trailblazers as part of National Apprenticeships Week

Aon has unveiled a new government-backed framework for insurance apprenticeships in collaboration with industry partners. This news comes the day after the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg hosted a reception to showcase and celebrate the work of current apprentices in the financial and professional services sector.

The insurance apprenticeship framework will ensure that young apprentices develop valuable professional skills that are consistent across the industry and attuned to the needs of business. Many firms within the insurance industry have already signed up to adopt the new framework and more are expected over the coming months. The guidelines were drawn up by the trailblazers working group which includes the CII, BIBA and the ABI as well as leading industry organisations, Aviva, Axa, Barbican, Chaucer, Covea, Cunningham Lindsay, Lloyd’s, Markerstudy and Markel International.

Dominic Christian, CEO, Aon UK Ltd, commented: “As a global firm committed to growing the number of apprenticeships in the UK, we are delighted to have been able to participate from the outset in developing this framework. We want apprentices to truly represent today’s economy. The challenge now is to ensure those advising young people are aware of the amazing opportunities available. We are delighted to continue to work with our industry partners and other stakeholders to raise awareness of how apprenticeships can help produce the next generation of talent to secure Britain’s preeminent position in global insurance.”

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, said “For too long there has been a barely concealed snobbery surrounding apprenticeships, with some people believing university is the only path to a good career. I’m proud that within this government we’ve seen a step change, with the largest number of people starting apprenticeships in recorded history. There is still work to be done to ensure people see the value of apprenticeships across a wide range of industries, so it’s hugely encouraging to see key players in the insurance industry working together to create apprenticeship schemes.”

Dr. Sandy Scott, Chief Executive, Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), said “Today’s announcement is testament to the collective efforts of the insurance sector. The CII is highly committed to supporting employers with apprenticeships, providing information and guidance, as well as ensuring the apprenticeships meet the professional standards expected of our sector. Apprenticeships represent an increasingly important part of the insurance sector’s drive to attract new and diverse talent. Having an apprenticeship standard developed by the sector will further boost our efforts to strengthen and diversify our talent pool.”

Huw Evans, Director General of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) said “The UK insurance industry’s reputation as a global leader relies on the quality of its workforce. Without recruiting new talent and apprentices, we will not be able to innovate and succeed to meet the challenges of our fast-changing world so it is vital we support this agenda. We all need to do much more to promote the insurance industry as an employer of choice which offers rewarding and successful careers to people from a wide range of backgrounds.”

Steve White, CEO of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA), said: “The launch of this standard will give firms the ability to access a uniformed framework of skills and attributes for their apprentices. This will significantly go towards helping the industry achieve its pledge in the Insurance Growth Action Plan to double the number of apprentices in the industry by 2018. BIBA has been pleased to play its part with the rest of the industry in developing and implementing this.”

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