The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) has joined forces with Birmingham City University (BCU) Business School to launch a 12-month pilot programme designed to strengthen the talent pipeline into the insurance profession.
The initiative will give BCU students structured exposure to the breadth of career opportunities across the insurance sector – one of the UK’s most dynamic and globally connected professions. Through direct engagement with insurers, brokers, market specialists and professional leaders, the pilot will help students build the technical knowledge, confidence and professional networks needed to secure highly skilled roles in the sector.
Leading the project for the CII is former Insurance Broker and Member of Parliament, Craig Tracey, who says: “This is such an exciting opportunity to be part of and it is great that the CII have taken decisive action to tackle this head on - during my time in Parliament, it was a recurring theme across the sector and action is needed to introduce more young people to the hugely rewarding careers on offer.
We know it’s a critical time for the profession as it faces widening workforce pressures: one in four employees are over 50, more than 70% of insurers report shortages in data and tech skills, over half of brokers are warning of a looming talent crisis and only 4% of young people see insurance as an appealing career option. In view of this, stronger early careers pathways with closer educational and sector collaborations are now essential, which is exactly what this partnership is designed to deliver”.
Adam Harper, Director of Strategy, Advocacy and Professional Standards, said:
“Attracting, developing and retaining diverse talent is increasingly becoming a priority for the insurance sector. This pilot with Birmingham City University is about turning that ambition into practical action – demystifying the sector for students, showcasing the wide range of specialist and client-facing roles available, and creating clear pathways into employment, apprenticeships and professional qualifications.”
Sam Roberts, Head of Department of Accountancy, Finance and Economics at BCU, added: “This partnership with the CII represents a significant opportunity to open our students’ eyes to the breadth, dynamism and global reach of the insurance profession. By bringing industry experts directly into the learning experience, we are giving our students unparalleled insight into a sector that offers a wide range of rewarding career paths.”
With support from BCU’s Public and Community Engagement Team, the programme will bring a diverse range of experts from across the insurance profession into the Business School to highlight local, national and international career pathways.
BCU and the CII will also work together on wider student development, with the CII looking to offer membership and introductory qualification support to the most engaged students on the programme.
Activities planned as part of the pilot include:
• Guest lectures from insurance professionals
• Mentoring by local experts and CII members
• Employability support sessions
• Networking events with insurance businesses and trade bodies
• Live briefs from industry on emerging risks
• Assessment centre preparation
• Participation in and development of careers fairs
• Work-experience placements with local firms
• Links to apprenticeships and graduate schemes
• Educational visits to insurance organisations, including Lloyd’s of London
The partnership with BCU reinforces the CII’s commitment to working with education providers, employers and local communities to build a sustainable, diverse pipeline of future professionals.