Zurich UK has expanded the insurer’s graduate scheme with the addition of so-called “green graduate” placements, which are aimed at helping support energy customers in their sustainable energy transition plans.
The move, said to be an industry-first, will see Zurich UK’s graduate opportunities for 2023 increase to 33. Aside from the sustainable energy underwriting graduate programme, other areas of the scheme are business management, data & analytics, change & tech, engineering, actuarial, and finance.
Graduate roles are available in each of Zurich’s locations in the UK, including London, Fareham, Glasgow, Birmingham, Swindon, and Cardiff. Additionally, 26 internship opportunities will be offered as well.
“We are proud of both our graduate and internship schemes and the exceptional levels of talent we attract through them,” talent acquisition manager Michelle Ransome said in an emailed release. “This year we are increasing our graduate intake with an additional two placements available, allowing us to nurture the next generation of talent within our business.
“We really walk the walk at Zurich when it comes to graduates – a number of our UK executive committee members started on the scheme including our UK CEO Tim Bailey.”
Bailey joined the graduate scheme in 1998.
Ransome went on to note: “We’ve made many adjustments to the recruitment process in recent years, which is paying dividends for us when it comes to attracting a much more diverse range of applicants.
“In fact, last year 40% of our graduate hires, including intern conversion, were from ethnic minorities. We’re also seeing a significant shift in applications from those from lower social economic backgrounds.”
Changes implemented by the insurer include the use of strength-based assessments instead of competency-based interviews, as well as the removal of group interviews to accommodate neurodiverse applicants. Graduates will also not be required to disclose which university they attended when applying.
Applications will be open from September 11 until November 5.
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