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Sector Outlook
The UK has been a big player in insurance for some years and has a history
that goes as far back as the great fire of London. The industry is presently
the largest in Europe and ranked 3rd globally and manages investments of
around £1.8 trillion.
Around 30% of all insurance business comes from outside the UK with the
sector seeing new markets emerging in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Around
300,000 people work in the industry in a variety of job roles. You could find
yourself working in customer operations, marketing, reinsurance, claims
handling, brokering, actuarial science and more.
With over 9000 companies in the industry, oppor tunities exist throughout
the UK with a strong regional presence in London, Edinburgh, York and
Norwich. Any degree is beneficial but qualifying in accounting, finance
business, management, economics or maths will increase your chances of
gaining a graduate job. If you decide not to enter university, some higher
level apprenticeships are available within the sector, if you achieved good
grades at A level.
Oppor tunities for those qualified at GCSE are available. If you are prepared
to undergo training you could find yourself working in a call centre as a
claims handler, admin assistant or star ting off as an apprentice in providing
financial services.
The industry is looking for a variety of skills such as communication, accuracy,
numeracy, literacy, analytical ability and being a team player. Jobs can be
found on the career sites of the big players such as Allianz, Aviva, Axa,
Direct Line, Swinton or insurance websites such as
insurancejobs.co.uk,
Hays or Reed recruitment sites. Take a look at
www.discoverrisk.co.ukfor
more insights into the industry.
Insurance