Verlingue backs apprenticeships to tackle insurance talent challenge

Verlingue has stepped up its investment in apprenticeships as part of efforts to attract more young people into the insurance industry, according to Jon Bethell, head of private clients. 

Speaking to Insurance Times, Bethell said insurance continues to suffer from a lack of visibility among school leavers, despite playing a vital role in everyday life.

Bethell explained that many people’s first interaction with insurance comes through buying car cover, which can lead to misconceptions about the breadth of careers available in the sector.

“Insurance as a principle is really interesting,” he said. “Nothing in this world happens without it. No car drives, no plane takes off. The World Cup would not be taking place without it.”

He added that the company attend career fairs to engage school leavers and challenge perceptions of the sector.

Future talent

To help address the industry’s talent pipeline challenge, Bethell said Verlingue has focused on developing its own employees through apprenticeship programmes.

“Our Verlingue private clients team is, I think, 14 people, a real mix of age and experience,” he said, adding that some employees have spent more than 30 years with the business.

Alongside experienced staff, Verlingue has recruited more than 20 apprentices over recent years and is preparing for its third intake.

“We’ve invested really heavily in young talent so we can develop and drive our own people,” Bethell said.

“I think it’s really exciting to see how Verlingue are investing in the future of youth, but also in the insurance industry.”

Verlingue’s apprenticeship programme forms part of its wider commitment to developing future talent across the business.