In a bid to highlight insurance as an industry to enter by design, Canberra-based firm Allinsure has introduced a broad spectrum traineeship to lead the market in a stronger direction. Photo: Allinsure.
When considering options for your next career move, the insurance industry may not be the first sector that comes to mind.
Allinsure managing director Peter Chamberlain says people can often pigeonhole the industry as “the old man in the suit carrying his briefcase door to door or someone working in an AAMI call centre”, but that could not be further from the truth.
“Insurance is an interesting industry, it is the second largest employer in all of Australia,” he said.
It is one of the most varied, rewarding and exciting careers out there.”
Peter made his start at just 18 years old. Now, he heads one of the most successful firms in the region.
“Like many others, I almost fell into the industry by accident,” he said.
“After school, it took me a while to find my feet. I eventually applied for a traineeship in finance and became QBE Insurance’s first trainee in Australia.
“I cannot stress the value of that experience enough. I got to dip my toes into every facet of the industry and spend time with experts across multiple firms and partnering businesses.”
Despite the wealth of opportunity Peter’s early days brought him, he says most young people considering their career before or after studying don’t give insurance much thought.
“We have to work really hard to shed the stereotype of that suit and tie guy going door to door with his briefcase. Our roles are so much more than that,” he said.
“I was on-site during the New Acton Pavilion fires in 2012 before the second fire truck even arrived and our efforts during the repair and rebuild phase led to a beautiful, upgraded building.
“It’s also a genuinely enjoyable and collaborative space to work in. We get to travel around the country for conferences, networking, tradeshows and education – we were in Hobart this year and will visit Cairns in 2024.”
Allinsure wants to show the next generation of professionals that insurance is a far more dynamic field than most realise. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Peter says public perception is getting better, but he would like to see insurance booths become staples at career exhibitions for high school and university students in particular, hence the traineeship opportunity.
“Most people seem to fall into the industry like I did. We want to change that, to provide more career pathways for young people and foster more skilled staff for our industry’s dwindling workforce,” he said.
“I’ve worked with producers and exporters, builders, developers, and hospitality experts. I’ve met aerospace engineers, medical innovators and some of the most passionate not-for-profit leaders in the country, right here in Canberra.”
Allinsure invites new graduates, postgraduates and skilled professionals looking to change industries to apply for a 12-month paid traineeship (Insurance Trainee/Insurance Graduate), with scope for ongoing employment.
School leavers can also undertake a fully funded Certificate IV in Business Studies, and postgraduates and skilled professionals will be able to choose between the Certificate IV or beginning their Insurance Broking Compliance Qualification.
The new trainee will be supported with rotated on-the-job training, complete with placements alongside industry partners and accredited study that translates not only to work in insurance, but also in a variety of professional sectors and business opportunities.
Allinsure also plans to expand the program to include work experience for high school students.
“Insurance is such a varied landscape that practically any forte could serve you well in one area or another,” Peter said.
“You could be very analytical, good with the nitty gritty. You could have a passion for helping others or a thirst for adventure in parts of the world completely different to our own. You could be a great communicator, able to build lasting relationships.
“One day, you’ll be working with a concert or festival, the next a commercial construction project, or even a tattoo parlour. We work everywhere there is risk involved and would love to see the next generation join us.”
To apply or find out more about the Assistant Account Executive traineeship, contact Allinsure on info@allinsure.com.au. Applications close on 17 December.
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