August 24, 2023
Here at Robert Gerrard, we are proud of the achievements of our apprenticeship scheme which we have been running for a few years now.
As well as having become a successful strategy for bringing new talent into the company, it has also provided a valuable way to create career opportunities for local people.
Apprenticeships are beneficial in so many ways. They provide hands-on training, and the opportunity to put newly acquired skills into practice in real life situations. And whilst they are mostly associated with school leavers, apprenticeships are also perfectly suited to people who are upskilling in their careers, or even embarking on a complete career change.
Our apprentices get to work alongside our long-experienced team, gaining valuable experience and job-specific skills.
“Exposure to a wide variety of knowledge and industry experience”
The great thing about working as an apprentice within Robert Gerrard is the exposure to such a wide variety of knowledge and industry experience, with many of our team having worked at the heart of the insurance business for several decades, and in numerous disciplines and specialities.
This means our apprentices can enjoy a varied scope of learning, and explore which areas most spark their interest and make best use of their natural talents.
As well as learning specific insurance-related skills, we make sure our apprentices get to strengthen their communication, time management and teamwork skills too.
Our apprenticeship success stories… in their own words
Here are some of our most recent apprenticeship success stories, from the perspectives of our apprentices themselves…
Luke Weight
Luke joined Robert Gerrard in 2022 as an apprentice in our Lift Plan team, after impressing us during his work experience here earlier that year.
Luke says:
“Over the past year I have found my time in the apprenticeship very useful. It gives me a basic overview of the different aspects of insurance, ranging from the vast number of different policies out there, to the rules and regulations we must adhere to.
By attending the workshops, it gives me an opportunity to ask any questions I have so I can therefore further develop my knowledge. The apprenticeship also benefits me in my job by familiarising myself with terminology I would come across daily while working.
My colleagues are also always happy to help me by answering any questions I have and giving real life examples, which enables me to further understand the topics I learn about.
As part of the apprenticeship you have to take three exams. So far, I have sat two and passed both first time. This shows that the method of teaching I am receiving works well and is very beneficial.
At Robert Gerrard I began with zero clients at the start of my apprenticeship, and in just under a year I now deal with around 25 clients a month. This goes to show how far I have progressed in such a short period of time. I also constantly learn about different policies that relate to my role, widening my knowledge and further developing me in my career.
Over the past year I have gone from possessing very little knowledge about insurance to knowing multiple textbooks’ worth. This is together with all the experience I have gained along the way, and is still only a fraction of the knowledge I will pick up all throughout my career in insurance.
Over the past year I have enjoyed the apprenticeship. It has taught me a lot of what I know, which helps me every day. I believe apprenticeships are very useful to anyone looking for a career in insurance. They provide valuable building blocks of knowledge which could help them achieve whatever they want to achieve.”
Conor Palmer
Conor joined Robert Gerrard in 2021 as an apprentice, and is now a valued member of our team.
Conor says:
“The Robert Gerrard apprenticeship programme really helped me to find my place after I finished sixth form, providing an excellent entry into the working world and insurance industry.
Working closely with my experienced colleagues, I learnt the ins and outs of the many different types of insurance policies we offer. I’ve also learnt how to analyse a client’s demands and needs, and the rules and regulations we have to follow working in the financial world.
Robert Gerrard also greatly helped me develop my communication and problem-solving skills to make sure I can effectively work day to day with clients, as well as supporting me through my CII exams by giving great hands-on experience.
The skills I have developed in my two years at Robert Gerrard have progressed considerably. From only dealing with a handful of small personal accident policies when I started, I have gone to working with large commercial clients across multiple policy types, providing training to our new staff members, and helping to develop our processes and procedures. Even after two years I still feel myself progressing every day, and the support from Robert Gerrard is just as strong as the day I started.”
Ellie Jackson
Ellie joined Team RG in 2021 as an apprentice in our Lift Plan team. She says:
“When I joined Robert Gerrard in 2021, I was new to the industry and had never even heard of an insurance broker before going for my interview. However, my colleagues at RG made me feel very welcome from the moment I joined, despite my many ‘ditsy’ moments!
“The apprenticeship programme consists of three multiple choice exams and, once completed, you gain your Certificate in Insurance. The training and study allowed me to gain a good level of knowledge and insight into the industry, leading to the expansion of my skillset and confidence.
“Now I have finished the apprenticeship programme, I have been able to start my Diploma in Insurance to further expand my knowledge. I am also growing my clientele and attending many networking and hospitality events, such as those run by the British Insurance Brokers’ Association.
“Robert Gerrard took a chance and gave me an amazing opportunity, and I am so grateful to be able to work with such a fantastic team.”
Could you be one of the next Robert Gerrard apprenticeship success stories?
The Robert Gerrard apprenticeship scheme runs for 18 months, during which time we support our apprentices towards achieving their Chartered Insurance Institute CII Certificate in Insurance.
Apprentices receive a salary and holiday pay, and time for role-related study towards a recognised insurance industry qualification. There are no student loans or tuition fees involved. As long as you are over 16 years of age and not in full time employment, you may be eligible.
We usually recruit our apprentices around May or June, for a September start. If you are interested in a pursuing an exciting and fulfilling career in the insurance industry via an apprenticeship, you are welcome to get in touch and register your interest.
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Here at Robert Gerrard, we are proud of the achievements of our apprenticeship scheme which we have been running for a few years now.
As well as having become a successful strategy for bringing new talent into the company, it has also provided a valuable way to create career opportunities for local people.
Apprenticeships are beneficial in so many ways. They provide hands-on training, and the opportunity to put newly acquired skills into practice in real life situations. And whilst they are mostly associated with school leavers, apprenticeships are also perfectly suited to people who are upskilling in their careers, or even embarking on a complete career change.
Our apprentices get to work alongside our long-experienced team, gaining valuable experience and job-specific skills.
“Exposure to a wide variety of knowledge and industry experience”
The great thing about working as an apprentice within Robert Gerrard is the exposure to such a wide variety of knowledge and industry experience, with many of our team having worked at the heart of the insurance business for several decades, and in numerous disciplines and specialities.
This means our apprentices can enjoy a varied scope of learning, and explore which areas most spark their interest and make best use of their natural talents.
As well as learning specific insurance-related skills, we make sure our apprentices get to strengthen their communication, time management and teamwork skills too.
Our apprenticeship success stories… in their own words
Here are some of our most recent apprenticeship success stories, from the perspectives of our apprentices themselves…
Luke Weight
Luke joined Robert Gerrard in 2022 as an apprentice in our Lift Plan team, after impressing us during his work experience here earlier that year.
Luke says:
“Over the past year I have found my time in the apprenticeship very useful. It gives me a basic overview of the different aspects of insurance, ranging from the vast number of different policies out there, to the rules and regulations we must adhere to.
By attending the workshops, it gives me an opportunity to ask any questions I have so I can therefore further develop my knowledge. The apprenticeship also benefits me in my job by familiarising myself with terminology I would come across daily while working.
My colleagues are also always happy to help me by answering any questions I have and giving real life examples, which enables me to further understand the topics I learn about.
As part of the apprenticeship you have to take three exams. So far, I have sat two and passed both first time. This shows that the method of teaching I am receiving works well and is very beneficial.
At Robert Gerrard I began with zero clients at the start of my apprenticeship, and in just under a year I now deal with around 25 clients a month. This goes to show how far I have progressed in such a short period of time. I also constantly learn about different policies that relate to my role, widening my knowledge and further developing me in my career.
Over the past year I have gone from possessing very little knowledge about insurance to knowing multiple textbooks’ worth. This is together with all the experience I have gained along the way, and is still only a fraction of the knowledge I will pick up all throughout my career in insurance.
Over the past year I have enjoyed the apprenticeship. It has taught me a lot of what I know, which helps me every day. I believe apprenticeships are very useful to anyone looking for a career in insurance. They provide valuable building blocks of knowledge which could help them achieve whatever they want to achieve.”
Conor Palmer
Conor joined Robert Gerrard in 2021 as an apprentice, and is now a valued member of our team.
Conor says:
“The Robert Gerrard apprenticeship programme really helped me to find my place after I finished sixth form, providing an excellent entry into the working world and insurance industry.
Working closely with my experienced colleagues, I learnt the ins and outs of the many different types of insurance policies we offer. I’ve also learnt how to analyse a client’s demands and needs, and the rules and regulations we have to follow working in the financial world.
Robert Gerrard also greatly helped me develop my communication and problem-solving skills to make sure I can effectively work day to day with clients, as well as supporting me through my CII exams by giving great hands-on experience.
The skills I have developed in my two years at Robert Gerrard have progressed considerably. From only dealing with a handful of small personal accident policies when I started, I have gone to working with large commercial clients across multiple policy types, providing training to our new staff members, and helping to develop our processes and procedures. Even after two years I still feel myself progressing every day, and the support from Robert Gerrard is just as strong as the day I started.”
Ellie Jackson
Ellie joined Team RG in 2021 as an apprentice in our Lift Plan team. She says:
“When I joined Robert Gerrard in 2021, I was new to the industry and had never even heard of an insurance broker before going for my interview. However, my colleagues at RG made me feel very welcome from the moment I joined, despite my many ‘ditsy’ moments!
“The apprenticeship programme consists of three multiple choice exams and, once completed, you gain your Certificate in Insurance. The training and study allowed me to gain a good level of knowledge and insight into the industry, leading to the expansion of my skillset and confidence.
“Now I have finished the apprenticeship programme, I have been able to start my Diploma in Insurance to further expand my knowledge. I am also growing my clientele and attending many networking and hospitality events, such as those run by the British Insurance Brokers’ Association.
“Robert Gerrard took a chance and gave me an amazing opportunity, and I am so grateful to be able to work with such a fantastic team.”
Could you be one of the next Robert Gerrard apprenticeship success stories?
The Robert Gerrard apprenticeship scheme runs for 18 months, during which time we support our apprentices towards achieving their Chartered Insurance Institute CII Certificate in Insurance.
Apprentices receive a salary and holiday pay, and time for role-related study towards a recognised insurance industry qualification. There are no student loans or tuition fees involved. As long as you are over 16 years of age and not in full time employment, you may be eligible.
We usually recruit our apprentices around May or June, for a September start. If you are interested in a pursuing an exciting and fulfilling career in the insurance industry via an apprenticeship, you are welcome to get in touch and register your interest.