Apprentice Review

My day-to-day role involves the creation and processing of insurance documents including sanctions checklists, contracts of insurance and endorsements. I provide support for the members of my team and take on work they do not have time for or that they need help with. Over the period of the apprenticeship, my responsibilities increased and I was trusted with more important work and contacting clients and underwriters. I have also been involved with more client meetings and underwriter discussions.

I have learnt many new skills during the apprenticeship. I have developed existing skills using Microsoft programmes - especially Xcel and Word as these are programmes we use very often. I have also learnt how to use new systems, for example Brokasure and ECM which are important to our industry and help create the actual insurance documents. My knowledge and skills in insurance have been developed and strengthened. At the start of the apprenticeship I knew very little on how insurance works as well as how to be a professional in this industry; however my colleagues have helped me develop the skills and knowledge needed to be a good insurance professional.

The programme is very interesting as everything is new and there are always constant opportunities to gain experience from others and from new situations you are in. I have met a lot of new people and as a result have become more confident in how I present myself and how I approach social situations. Working up in London every few weeks has allowed me to be in the centre of the insurance industry and experience first hand how places like Lloyd's of London works. Overall it has been very interesting and exciting as each day there is a new account I'm asked to help out on.

The programme is structured well. We have a coach that we meet with monthly to discuss exams and general progress within our work itself. There are also plenty of opportunities for us to connect with other apprentices and ask the early careers team for assistance should we need it. We have separate end of year goals to work towards so it is easy to see what we should be aiming for and how we will progress over time.

Aon is very supportive with our apprenticeship. They are happy to allow study days when needed and are flexible when you are unable to attend a workshop for a particular module. The early careers team are easy to talk to and quick to reply if you have any queries about the apprenticeship and future developments. They are also very keen for you to further your qualifications and are happy to help guide you to the next goal.

FWD have been great at helping towards my qualifications. I know that if I have a question, they are happy to answer or provide alternative connections so that I can answer my question. The monthly meetings enabled me to make a personal connection with my coach and developed a relationship of trust that I can confide in them should anything be going wrong with the apprenticeship. There were a few instances, however, that a question I asked was not immediately answered or the answer given was not completely clear.

My qualification gives me the background knowledge on how the industry works and what the different classes of insurance involve. I have also leanrt about the other positions in the industry, not just broking. This has allowed me to understand what others have to do in order to complete their job and allows me to understand the processes in a clearer way.

There are a lot of events that are constantly happening within Aon. There are a lot of team outings that allow for networking and for the team to develop relationships which in turn makes a more comfortable atmosphere when asking others for help with work. There are also a lot of charity events that teams from across the different departments get involved with which also enables networking and allows me to identify who could help out with work in the future, should I need to ask.

Yes

I would recommend Aon as they are a friendly and welcoming company that constantly encourages inclusion and betterment of their employees. They are always willing to open up opportunities to staff if they wish to change what insurance sector or job they are doing. There are opportunities to further your career and try out other jobs such as HR roles or underwriting positions.

Be confidant when being interviewed and do not be afraid to ask questions or voice uncertainty. Ensure that you listen to what others are contributing and make sure that all voices are heard. Bring new ideas to the business as innovation is a big part of the company's aims relating to both client services and internal business structure.