NIG First Academy, originally launched in 2017, is a training initiative developed for members of NIG First – an exclusive club for our top independent brokers and their staff.

First Academy offers soft and technical skills training for people at all levels of business and with varying experience. This includes product training days, Cert CII qualifications, quarterly webinars, leadership development for senior managers and everything in between.

“NIG’s made a real difference to the training and development of our staff. The fully supportive approach with weekly webinars and revision days in respect of the CII exams have been a blessing.” Kevin Wade, Associate Director, Wrightsure Services

The right training in the right format

First Academy’s blended approach offers a mix of face-to-face and class-based training, online modules and webinars. Training is modular and flexible, so organisations can tailor it to meet their business goals, and staff can balance training with their day-to-day role. Last year, we had more than 600 people improve their professional skills and knowledge through First Academy. 

What’s new for 2019?

We’re always looking to evolve First Academy to ensure it remains relevant to brokers and leads the way in the industry. We’ve enhanced many of our core modules, plus for 2019, we’re introducing exciting new content such as our Connect for Brokers Programme. This is based on NIG’s own internal training programme (as part of Direct Line Group), which has had a hugely positive impact on our culture. Put simply, we’ve taken the best and most relevant parts and adapted them for our First brokers.

Connect for Brokers is built around three leadership courses and five modules for customer-facing staff. And each First broker can tailor the programme to meet their specific needs – whether that’s choosing one, two, or all eight modules.

“Connect has been transformational. It’s made doing business easy for our customers and re-engaged our teams to provide a great customer experience. Connect for Brokers enhances how First Brokers work with their customers to build a truly customer-centric culture across their organisation.” Sonya Bryson, Managing Director of NIG

Industry recognition

Our highly-regarded First Academy was shortlisted in the Excellence in Professional Development category at the 2017 and 2018 Insurance Times Awards, as well as the Training Award for the British Insurance Awards 2018.

Suz Diemer, Head of Broker Propositions at NIG commented, “Now in its third year, First Academy is really hitting its stride. This year sees more enhancements and in Connect for Brokers, some really valuable and exclusive content that we think will make a huge difference to brokers keen to develop their people.”

First members can see what’s on offer and sign up for training on First’s dedicated website. To find out more about joining NIG’s exclusive First club, please speak to your Senior Business Development Manager.