We’re thrilled to be the first insurer to launch an apprenticeship programme for brokers. We’ve selected 10 broker candidates for a two-year level 4 apprenticeship scheme, called First Forward.

We told our First brokers (our top 50 independent brokers) about First Forward in September, following the Government announcement to allow transfers of levy to third parties. The programme covers CII DIP qualifications, skills-based training, mentoring and greater industry exposure.

We’ve worked with leading industry training company, Wiser Academy, to design the two-year apprenticeship programme and co-hosted a launch event at the Houses of Parliament in London. The event welcomed the ten inaugural First Forward apprentices and their brokerage sponsors.

Suz Diemer, Head of Broker Propositions told us, “To launch this scheme at the Houses of Parliament was particularly fitting, as we’ve been working hard on leading the way with apprenticeships, hot on the heels of the Government changes (allowing us to share some of our levy with our brokers). Using our levy and transferring it to some of our key brokers is a natural step, as we see these brokers as an extension to our own business.”

Suz continues, “The First Forward Programme is the latest in our suite of training available to our First brokers. Supporting our brokers is absolutely essential for us. Without doubt, people are the key to our continued success, so they will continue to be a focus for our proposition.”

First Forward complements our existing training support packages for brokers with access to the First Academy. These include training in Cert CII, products, sales, and leadership skills.

Click here to find out more about our First Academy.

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