Apprentice trading Underwriter Review

My job tittle is 'Apprentice Trading Underwriter.' I work in a commercial office which involves underwiting commercial properties, businesses or fleets of cars. It is my job to look at the risk, consider the exisitng claims costs and any potential claims there might be, and then decide how much premium we want to charge and what terms we want to apply for each renewal or new business, and then trade it with a broker, either face to face or over the phone. I also have to work through Proffessional Qualifications and Underwriting Lisences.

I have learnt a lot of new skills since starting my Apprenticeship; Underwriting being the most obvious. However it has also improved my team work, confidence, people skills, organisiation and time management. I have also learnt how to trade and negotiate more efficiently. I have passed 4 proffessional exams and gained a Certificate in Insurance, and also gained 3 underwriting lisences; allowing me to work more independantly.

I really enjoy my job, there are lots of opportunities to learn new things and experience different parts of the business. I work as part of a team so there are lots of people to get along with and also lots of people to help me learn new things and develop as an underwriter. My job isnt what i expected - because i didnt really know what to expect but it has certainly met my expectations.

I feel very valued by Aviva, I recieve recognition for work well done, and recieve supoort to imporve in other areas. I have been involved in a couple of projects alongside my day job which involved me working with graduates and other employees from accross the country. I feel that if i had a desire to experience something new, and had a good reason for doing so, Aviva would do their best to help me.

My programme is very structured, we have to meet certain targets by the end of each year (such as underwriting lisences and proffessional qualifications) and if we hit them - we get a payrise. I was in the first in-take so at first there was a little confusion over training and support with it being new, however the programme has now been ruinning for 3 years and there is a great structured learning programme including softskills such as communication and negotiation etc. There is now a large network of apprentices at Aviva who are always willing to help new starters.

Aviva provides us with the study material and 5 study days a year. The general attitude towards proffessional qualifications is that it's your responsibity, so its up to you to learn the material. I think that Aviva could provide more help towards these examinations in terms of study days and contacts within the company to talk things through with. Hopefully this will now be better avaliable as we become Chartered.

There are lots of people at work to offer support, should I need it. I have a great manager and a number of people are interested in how im getting on and always offer help / advice.

I am now in my third year so my salary has improved significantly since I first started. I live quite a distance from work so my train pass is around £230 per month. I still live at home with my parents so my living costs are limited, however my salary is allowing me to save for a martgage.

We are located right in the city centre so there are lots of opportunities to go out after work and socialise with team mates. We also have a 5 a side football team whoch plays once a week. we are also keen on volunteering so there are many opportunities to get involved in that.

Yes

Great company to work for, lots of career opportunities if you work hard, insurance is always going to be a key part of the Economy.

Be yourself, prepare well and know info about the job and the company. Its good to have experience in other jobs or teams so you can relate to the competencies and provide worthwhile answers.