Aviva bolsters broker apprenticeship programme

Aviva has expanded its broker apprenticeship programme, which aims to help brokers select, recruit and train the next generation of insurance professionals.

The insurer is also offering a job swap or placement to programme participants, it said in a statement. Recruitment is open until July 31.

Among the expanded range of support, training and industry experiences offered by the programme are:

• Training to help brokers select the right candidates, including guidance on recruitment advertising and recruitment fairs, application selection and interview techniques.
• The opportunity to gain additional insurer experience through a two-week placement.
• Access to online training materials and courses on the Aviva Development Zone.
• Skills workshops covering personal effectiveness, time management, customer service, communication, influencing and relationship management.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities such as sales and management training once an apprentice has successfully completed their programme.
• Content from Aviva’s ongoing partnership with Davies Learning Solutions that builds towards Cert CII.

“We know how important getting the next generation of brokers into the industry is, and apprenticeships are fundamental to that talent pipeline. I am really pleased with our programme as it works with brokers from the outset to find the best candidates,” said Phil Bayles, Aviva’s chief distribution officer.

“The offer of a placement within Aviva gives an insight into how the industry works from an insurer’s perspective, which I believe will be invaluable to anyone starting out as a broker.”

Bayles also announced that Aviva will dedicate a portion of its apprenticeship levy to support brokers as well as opening up access to its Development Zone. The zone provides further training opportunities, such as sales and management training, once the apprentice has successfully completed their programme.

“We are always looking for new ways to support our broker partners and believe working with them on the apprenticeship programme will be a source of great new talent into their businesses,” he added. “This will also help getting the UK back to business given the current economic challenges.”