Location: Location/ Hybrid
Salary: Competitive
About the Role:
The Graduate Trainee Programme is a 24-month training programme designed to provide participants with the business and technical skills needed to build a successful career in insurance underwriting. Trainees work alongside the most experienced underwriters in the industry to gain in-depth knowledge of business units and underwriting philosophy. Through on-the-job learning, workplace mentoring, and directed self-study, the Graduate Programme serves as a foundation for career advancement and offers an accelerated pathway in the insurance industry.
What Can I Expect as a Graduate Trainee?
On-The-Job Learning
Insurance underwriting requires a high degree of experience, expertise, and relationship-building – something you can’t learn in the classroom. Underwriter trainees are immersed in the day-to-day activities of underwriting new business and renewal accounts. They have a rare opportunity to work alongside experts in the field to review submissions, analyse risks, and expand their overall knowledge.
Directed Self-Study
Professional designation courses provide insurance professionals with technical knowledge of insurance operations and industry practices. The business supports employees pursuing continuing education opportunities by covering the cost of fees and textbooks, offering time off work to take exams, and providing additional compensation for successful completion of many courses. As part of the Graduate Trainee programme, participants will be required to successfully complete their CII Certificate and Diploma qualification (additional details below).
- Certificate CII - completion of 3 exams (LM1, LM2, LM3)
- Diploma CII - completion of 4 exams (delegate can choose most applicable)
The business is committed to developing its people. Employees are encouraged to strengthen their skills and expand their understanding of the industry. Graduate Trainees receive professional development training on topics such as communication/negotiation, self-awareness, and sales and marketing to help them build successful careers.
Mentoring
As part of each Graduate Trainee's development, a mentor will be assigned at the beginning of the scheme. This mentor will be from a different department, providing additional networking opportunities and broader insight into insurance. The mentor will provide ad hoc guidance and support during regular 1:1s throughout the programme. They will also assist line managers during the annual performance review cycle and review of progression through Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the programme.
Rotation Scheme
Participants placed within Insurance Underwriting will gain experience working with varied business lines during the programme and will take part in two twelve-month placements within different business lines. Successful completion of each placement will enable progression within the programme. Examples of potential rotations include
- Crisis Management (12 months) & General Liability (12 months)
- Cyber (12 months) & Financial Institutions (12 months)
- Financial Institutions (12 months) & Cyber (12 months)
- Political & Financial Risk (12 months) & Crisis Management (12 months)
Underwriters at the business are some of the best and brightest in the industry. When recruiting the next generation of underwriters, the business considers all university degree disciplines, especially those with numerate degrees and with experience or interest in insurance, financial services, marketing, or sales. Key attributes include:
Critical thinking ability & analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate with others.
- Integrity and reliability.
- Technical accuracy and software skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with a team-oriented approach.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong time management and organisational abilities.
- Competent computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Outlook as a minimum.
This role offers a unique opportunity to develop expertise in underwriting while gaining exposure to a dynamic and fast-moving industry.