Rating
- 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
- 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
- 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
- 4. How valued do you feel by RSA Insurance Ltd?
- 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
- 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
- 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
- 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
- 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
- 9. Would you recommend RSA Insurance Ltd to a friend?
- 9b. Why?
- 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to RSA Insurance Ltd?
I work within a national commercial combined underwriting team within RSA. I have worked at RSA for 8 years now and my current team is all brand new to me with new challenges and new technical knowledge being learned every day. It fits perfectly into my apprenticeship as I am learning on the job and away from work with the Diploma in CII and additional challenges Kaplan are setting me. My current role is to underwrite and identify risks for policy holders, set terms and conditions and premium for the insurance. it involves many aspects and skills and is challenging with the amount of work we have to do but I love my Job. Internal tasks are reviewing pricing and the risk and referral where needed to dealing externally with brokers and their challenges and the client requests.
Constantly learning new skills in the workplace, I recently challenged myself by moving teams away from the comfort of something I have done for 7 years, So I have had to learn a new set of underwriting skills and constantly learning new knowledge whether that's new systems new wordings or overall technical knowledge, this fits very well into progressing through my DipCii with Kaplan and its hard work but hopefully the reward is the qualifications and the career boost it will give me.
So far it has been a bit slower a start than I had hoped, partly due to my personal life being so busy and the workload at work being heavy. Also Kaplan have only carried out one review with me and unfortunately I do need a nudge occasionally to keep me on track. Recent review with Kaplan was good though and we have now set out a plan of action with timeline and deadlines to meet
RSA Group albeit very busy at the moment have always looked after me and I genuinely feel like I matter, we are not just digits or numbers to the management. They offer us help and support and benefits wherever possible. I would recommend RSA as an employers to anyone.
At the beginning I was confused by the timeline and the structure of the programme, it wasn't clear at first what and when we were meant to complete modules or exams etc. after my recent review it was explained properly for the first time by Kaplan and it is now a lot clearer, they have provided structure and support and how to get more support when needed through the two year programme. I feel a lot more prepared and comfortable now I am on the right path
Kaplan have recently carried out individual reviews and I am now in constant contact via email or phone and have even met face to face, I feel now if I am falling behind my plan then that is down to me and not Kaplan. My first 6 months I have been blind a little bit so have dropped behind, however as mentioned already I no have a plan to get back on track and the support to do it.
I'll be honest and due to the workload and pressures at work RSA have not been the best in terms of supporting me through the apprenticeships, for example I have found it hard to fit study time into working hours and felt as though I shouldn't ask for a day for study, I was offered to take a couple of hours every other day but It isn't enough to properly concentrate on a diploma in insurance, I have escalated to Kaplan
RSA have always historical paid lower than the rest of the insurance market if you are looking at comparible jobs, this is still true but less so than it used to be, I personally feel well paid for the job I do and the benefits that go with the salary are excellent with further optional benefits that I personally don't see value in but I know many others do. I live comfortably
RSA is very social company and this year have put a real focus on social life and wellbeing within work. Already this year we have had quiz nights treasure hunts and summer BBQ's. I know there is a lot more in the calendar coming up with softball tournaments pool and darts tournaments as well as night time drinking and social events. I think there is a world cup event on but I don't know the details yet.
Yes
Simply because as an employer it generally has treated me extremely well over the last 7 years, both professionally developing me and with any personal issues I have had they have shown flexibility when I needed them to. The salary is good the training is good and very supportive leadership. It is very very very busy and the pressure is higher than ever but at least this keeps you busy and learning and growing.
Just be you and have a bit about you, personality more often than not will win the day, assuming you also have some intelligence, but RSA likes characters that will gel well so show some hunger and desire and you will get the Job at RSA
Details
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Accounting, Finance
June 2018