Industry-wide apprenticeship scheme launched

Insurers and brokers have teamed up to launch an industry-wide apprenticeships programme.

The scheme is a response to the government’s Insurance Growth Action Plan, released alongside the Autumn Statement last year.

The launch is being marked at an event at the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) this morning, which will be attended by Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise Matthew Hancock and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton.

The launch has been timed to coincide with the start of National Apprenticeships Week.

The programme is backed by the CII, Biba, the ABI and partners from across the risk management agency.

The group will shape the insurance industry’s response to the government’s ambition to double the number of apprentices in the sector.

Aon UK chief executive Dominic Christian said: “This programme is the first of its kind for the risk management and insurance industry in the UK so we’re pleased to have played such a key part in it.

“The UK is the heart of the global insurance industry and at Aon we’re committed to empowering young people from all backgrounds with the training needed to ensure this important industry continues to play a pivotal role in the UK economy. We must ensure the sector has the skills and talent to respond positively to the challenges of the future.”

Hancock added: “National Apprenticeships Week aims to showcase the diversity and value of apprenticeship qualifications so I’m pleased to be able to launch this initiative from one of our most important industries.

“It demonstrates how apprenticeships have an important role to play in every sector of the economy, including ones which might not traditionally have employed apprentices. Apprenticeships provide the opportunity for thousands of young people to earn while they learn; gaining a valuable qualification and experience of work in an industry.”