Jasmine Joynt may well be one of the industry’s youngest professionals: aged just 16, the school-leaver has opted for a career in insurance, joining Co-op Insurance where she works as a customer service apprentice.
Hot on the heels of National Apprenticeship Week, Insurance Business spoke to Joynt about the appeal of the industry, her plans for the future, and her advice for any would-be insurance apprentices.
Why did you want to go into insurance?
I wanted to do something I’ve never done before. The Co-op visited our school to tell us all about the insurance apprenticeship scheme and the idea of learning something completely new, which could lead into a career – that really appealed to me.
I’m now taking calls from customers on a daily basis, but have monthly catch-up sessions with my mentor to discuss how I’m getting on. My manager Steven is also on hand to help with any questions, and I’m able to catch up with the other apprentices in our free time.
After starting my apprenticeship, I wrote to the company CEO, Mark Summerfield, suggesting that we produce a ‘day in the life of an apprentice’ video, and he made that happen. Apprentices have a voice and we shouldn’t let our age get in the way of using it.
Finally, I would say to do your research. If possible, speak to your careers advisor or other apprentices to make sure you have as much information as possible before making your decision.
