ALLIANZ COMMERCIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME OPENS FOR THIRD YEAR APPLICANTS

Allianz Commercial’s Scholarship Programme, which actively support staff at chartered brokers in achieving their CII Diploma in Insurance, opens for new applicants on 20 January 2014.

In the two years since the scheme was launched, Allianz has received 229 applications and taken on 63 scholars. The opening of 30 new places for scholars reaffirms Allianz’s commitment to nurturing the future talent of the insurance industry.

Simon McGinn, general manager, Allianz Commercial, commented: "Now into its third year, the Allianz Commercial’s Scholarship Programme has gone from strength to strength. There has been an increase in the number of applications and we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from brokers taking part. The quality of scholars has been exemplary and we are confident that this year’s applicants will be no different."

Mackenzie Dallas, account executive at T L Dallas & Co Ltd and one of the first Allianz Commercial scholars, commented: "With a very busy lifestyle a CII diploma was a daunting prospect for me 18 months ago. The support and structure offered by the Allianz Scholarship programme was exactly what I needed. The number of sessions was just right, the material covered was vast and the trainers very experienced. My insurance knowledge and confidence has grown significantly as a result of the programme."

An industry first, the scholarship programme provides first-class tuition and revision sessions including free study texts to successful applicants, as well as invaluable networking opportunities at regular events. The initiative builds on the success of the Allianz Partners Academy, a long-running training initiative which has more than 400 brokers taking part each year.

To apply for a place on the Scholarship Programme, brokers can visit www.allianz.co.uk/scholarshipapplication or contact their local business developer.

The window for scholarship applications closes on 7 February and study will begin in May.

END

Notes to editor

1 – Allianz UK is one of the largest general insurers in the country and part of the Allianz Group.

Together with its customers and sales partners, the Allianz Group is one of the strongest financial communities. Around 78 million private and corporate customers rely on Allianz's knowledge, global reach, capital strength and solidity to help them make the most of financial opportunities and to avoid and safeguard themselves against risks.

In 2012, around 144,000 employees in over 70 countries achieved total revenue of 106.4 billion euros and an operating profit of 9.3 billion euros (restated on January 1, 2013, due to a change in accounting standard and presentation).

Benefits for our customers reached 89.2 billion euros.