Specialist motor insurer ERS has launched a trainee underwriter programme from its Swansea office with hopes of creating new underwriting career opportunities for people in Wales.
The first group of trainees started in April, as they underwent a series of practical training and academic studies. At the end of the course, the trainees received industry-recognised insurance qualifications accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). Besides the training itself, the group of trainees also had the chance to spend time in London while getting insights into the insurance industry and Lloyd’s of London operations.
Located in the Crucible Park office in Swansea Vale, ERS has nearly 500 employees and has made it one of its goals to create career opportunities in the region. The trainee underwriter programme, it states integrates roles in claims, project management, business analysis, IT, counter fraud, personal injury, and risk governance. The programme also builds on ERS’s Underwriting Academy, which opened in 2020.
“Our new trainee underwriter programme is a key addition to the varied roles we offer in Swansea, providing long-term career growth opportunities,” said Jodie Aucamp, talent resourcer at ERS.
One success story so far is that of Cameron Jackson (pictured). He started as an underwriting assistant in Swansea before progressing through the Underwriting Academy to become a qualified underwriter and joining the London office.
“There will always be a need for insurance and underwriters, making this a rewarding and secure career choice,” Jackson said, emphasising the limitless pathways in underwriting.
ERS is part of the IQUW Group, operating in Swansea, London, and Bermuda. The group wrote over $1.3 billion of specialty business in 2023, with ERS focusing on specialist motor and IQUW on property and specialty insurance and reinsurance.
IQUW covers a wide range of insurance products, including aviation, cyber, cargo, crisis management, marine, political risk, energy, property, D&O, financial institutions, political violence, terror and war risks written from the London office. In addition, it also provides reinsurance for property treaty international, US-specific reinsurance, and specialty reinsurance, written in London and Bermuda.
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