Insurance can be arranged directly with an insurance company, or through an insurance broker. There are several large insurance firms which operate internationally, dealing with corporate business insurance. Most insurance brokers are small companies which can be found on the high street, providing information and general insurance products to suit individual needs.

Qualifications and Experience

Entry requirements for insurance companies vary. Often English and Maths GCSEs (A-C) are essential, and A levels or similar qualifications may get you onto management training schemes.

If you have a relevant degree, you could enter a large insurance broking firm’s graduate training scheme. Most degree subjects are considered relevant, but a good degree (2:2 or above) in business or maths is preferable.

Experience in office work, sales or customer services will also help your application.

An apprenticeship scheme might be a good way to crack into the insurance sector, although the range of apprenticeships available in your locality will vary depending on the job market.

Training and Development

Training is likely to be a mixture of practical, on-the-job training and study for insurance industry-specific qualifications. Many insurance brokers study for qualifications from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). The CII offer professional qualifications in insurance, such as:

• CII Certificate in Insurance – for trainees
• CII Diploma in Insurance
• CII Advanced Diploma in Insurance (ACII)

You are more likely to be promoted to management roles if you have insurance industry qualifications like these offered by the CII, and also the IFS School of Finance Certificate in Regulated general Insurance (CeRGI)