Wiser Academy is helping brokers respond to the talent crisis in insurance broking by providing the education backing, administration and support for broker graduate academies.
Crescens George, MD of Wiser Academy, which provides training and development across the insurance sector, explained that many brokerages have launched their own graduate academies to boost the numbers of executives gaining Cert CII and ACII qualifications.
Cres said: “We are seeing more brokers choosing this route to learning, not just to attract and retain talent but also in response to their own clients, who have made clear their preference to deal with qualified professionals when seeking insurance advice and support.”
Global Risk Partners (GRP) is one of a number of leading businesses that have partnered with Wiser Academy to deliver their three and a half year graduate programme.
Leah Clancy, GRP Group HR Director, explained that GRP is training 35 apprentices and is putting a further seven people through the graduate programme. GRP’s hub business for the South West, Higos has 12 learners and is adding a further 12 in September.
Additionally, the County Group, which is one of the North West’s fasting growing brokers, recognises the value of growing talent through the programme with seven current graduates and plans to grow further. Insync (GRP’s digital broker) is also looking to conduct a similar exercise over the coming months.
She said the structured programme will see the seven graduates gain ACII qualifications, and the other 28 aiming to achieve Cert CII and/or Dip CII.
“We decided it made sense to take make the most of the apprenticeship levy and put resource into developing the skills of our own people. The levy is there to be used; we saw it not as a tax but an opportunity to do more for our inhouse talent.”
Leah added: “It’s important for us to choose course delivery partners who directly meet our needs and those of our students, and Wiser Academy, which has an ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted, was the right partner for us for this project.”
Cres said: “Wiser Academy can flex its provision to suit the particular needs of our broker partners. For example, we’re finding brokers want us to give more time and effort to skills and behaviours learning, as opposed to the more traditional areas like the history of insurance. We’re keen to talk to more brokerages who like the idea of doing their own thing. In-house graduate programmes are also gaining in popularity because they can fit around BAU.”
“We provide our courses in harmony with the everyday requirements of the business which means employees can better carry out their learning and their work, meaning less stress.”
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