The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) is raising awareness among Birmingham City University (BCU) students about career opportunities in the insurance industry.
They plan to run a 12-month pilot scheme where insurers, brokers and industry leaders will work with BCU students to help them build the technical knowledge, confidence and professional networks needed to get highly skilled jobs in the industry.
Craig Tracey, former insurance broker and Member of Parliament is leading the project for the CII.
He said: “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.”
Attracting, developing and retaining diverse talent is increasingly becoming a priority for the insurance sector, said Adam Harper, director of strategy, advocacy and professional standards.
“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, added: “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 include guest lectures, mentoring by local experts, networking events with insurance businesses and trade bodies, live briefs from industry on emerging risks, assessment centre preparation, careers fairs, work-experience placements, links to apprenticeships and graduate schemes and visits to insurance organisations such as Lloyd’s of London.
