Applications opened on 1 July and close on 30 September 2016. Going bigger and better, this time around the team is taking it regional to give applicants close to Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg a fair and equal chance to get into the top eight.
What is the aim?
Rianet Whitehead, Editor of FAnews says the aim of The Insurance Apprentice is to excite more young people about what our industry has to offer, what the benefits are and how many growth opportunities there are. The other aim, Whitehead says, is to grow the talent we already have in the industry.
“We have very ambitious and very talented people amongst us and The Insurance Apprentice gives those people the opportunity to challenge themselves, to grow on a personal and professional level and showcase what they are all about so that they can grow,” she says.
Driving the excitement and passion
Andre Brooks, Account Manager at Price Forbes was crowned as winner of The Insurance Apprentice 2016. Chuffed that he achieved his goal despite being up against very stiff competition Brooks says he feels privileged to have won the title of The Insurance Apprentice 2016.
“The exposure provided by The Insurance Apprentice has certainly enhanced my credibility as an insurance professional, not only internally at Price Forbes, but with the industry at large. It is an absolutely overwhelming feeling to be one of the most recognised faces in the industry at the moment,” says Brooks.
“This is what drives the excitement and passion for The Insurance Apprentice and we hope that this inspires and encourages young people to enter for the next round. The amount of growth we see in participants every year is something many people comment on and it is enlightening to see how the companies these apprentices work for, really embrace and empower these people,” says Whitehead.
Amongst this are the amazing prizes the winner gets which are a trip of a lifetime to Lloyds of London, sponsored by Lloyds of London and a bursary, sponsored by Inseta, to further their studies.
Who we are looking for?
If you are younger than 35, have been in the short-term insurance industry (any part of it) for more than four years, and you preferably hold a COP or any other professional qualification (not compulsory) then this is just for you.
We are looking for young people who work in the short-term industry, be it at a brokerage, insurer, underwriting manager, loss adjuster, administrator or anywhere else to enter this exciting programme.
To enter simply visit http://theinsuranceapprentice.co.za/apply2017/ fill out your application and submit it. Please make sure you read about the process before you enter and remember to send us your application before 30 September 2016.
Regional rounds will take place in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. If you have been chosen to go through to the second round, you will be notified at the beginning of October. After identifying the top eight, filming will take place from 8 to 13 January 2017. The series will be aired early 2017 via the FAnews and The Insurance Apprentice websites and YouTube.
Those that are still hesitant about entering this competition are invited to come out to Norton Rose Fulbright in Sandton on 12 August between 09:30 and12:00 and get their chance to meet the contestants from the previous series. They can ask the apprentices questions or meet their favourite apprentice and network and find out more about why they should enter.
Space is limited! Send an email to myra@fanews.co.za.
Supporting this initiative
In showing support we have a few sponsors who have already committed to The Insurance Apprentice 2017 – thank you Aon South Africa, CN&CO, Hollard, Inseta, Insure Group, Lloyds of London, Price Forbes, PWV Insurance Brokers and Norton Rose Fulbright for your support and sponsorship.
If anyone is committed to playing a part in influencing the lives of these individuals and are looking for an opportunity to make a difference, there are more sponsorship opportunities available.
“If you are keen to get involved, in whatever way possible, please make contact with me,” says Whitehead.
If you are interested email rianet@fanews.co.za or call 011 768-2299 or 082 467-1924.
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