National Apprenticeship Week – 8-12 February 2021

Authored by Aviva

Apprenticeships aren’t just for young people starting their careers. At Aviva, our apprenticeship schemes suit people from all walks of life – school leavers, colleagues reinventing their careers or those looking to deepen existing skills.

Aviva currently has 252 apprentices, and in total has funded 542 apprentices aged 17-69 across its UK business since the UK Government introduced the Apprenticeship Levy in 2017.

The theme for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is ‘Build the Future’ and celebrates how apprenticeships help employers and people of all ages and backgrounds build their careers.

Aviva’s business requires a diverse range of skills. We currently use 41 apprenticeship standards, which show the work an apprentice will do and the skills they’ll need. These focus on core insurance skills such as underwriting and actuarial, and developing new skills such as digital and analytics.

Sophie Gray, Apprenticeships Lead at Aviva, said: “We’re passionate about our people and want them to be able to learn in the way that best supports them in their career, whatever point in life that may be.  Apprenticeships are a great way to learn both for people carving out their very first career or for those looking to equip themselves with new skills or a new challenge at Aviva.

“The ability to learn while you earn is highly motivating for ambitious people and we’re really proud that many of our apprentices have continued their learning with a second apprenticeship with some securing promotion as a result.”

Danny Harmer, Aviva’s Chief People Officer, said: “At Aviva, we work together to think 'what would make things easier for our customers?'. Our apprentices get a proper salary and are involved with real projects pretty much from day one.”