Marvin OnumonuThe Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) has teamed up with Birmingham City University (BCU) Business School to run a 12-month pilot aimed at bringing more talent into the insurance sector.
The programme will give BCU students a closer look at careers in insurance, working directly with insurers, brokers and industry leaders.
Students will build technical knowledge, confidence and professional networks to help them get skilled jobs in the sector.
Craig Tracey, leading the project for CII, said: “This is such an exciting opportunity to be part of and it is great that the CII have taken decisive action to tackle this head on – during my time in Parliament, it was a recurring theme across the sector and action is needed to introduce more young people to the hugely rewarding careers on offer.
“We know it’s a critical time for the profession as it faces widening workforce pressures: one in four employees are over 50, more than 70% of insurers report shortages in data and tech skills, over half of brokers are warning of a looming talent crisis and only 4% of young people see insurance as an appealing career option.
“In view of this, stronger early careers pathways with closer educational and sector collaborations are now essential, which is exactly what this partnership is designed to deliver”.
Adam Harper, director of strategy, advocacy and professional standards at CII, said: “Attracting, developing and retaining diverse talent is increasingly becoming a priority for the insurance sector.
“This pilot with Birmingham City University is about turning that ambition into practical action – demystifying the sector for students, showcasing the wide range of specialist and client-facing roles available, and creating clear pathways into employment, apprenticeships and professional qualifications.”
Sam Roberts, head of department of accountancy, finance and economics at BCU, said: “This partnership with the CII represents a significant opportunity to open our students’ eyes to the breadth, dynamism and global reach of the insurance profession.
“By bringing industry experts directly into the learning experience, we are giving our students unparalleled insight into a sector that offers a wide range of rewarding career paths.”
The pilot will bring a range of insurance experts into the business school to highlight local, national and international career options.
CII and BCU plan to offer membership and qualification support to the most engaged students.
Activities will include guest lectures, mentoring, employability sessions, networking events, live briefs from industry, assessment centre preparation, careers fairs, work experience with local firms, links to apprenticeships and graduate schemes, and visits to insurance organisations such as Lloyd’s of London.
