ALLIANZ INSURANCE OPENS ITS TECHNICAL SCHOOL LEAVER PROGRAMME FOR A-LEVEL STUDENTS

Allianz Insurance has opened its Technical School Leaver programme for the fourth year running to give students with A-level qualifications the opportunity to work within its Retail division.

The technical programme has been specifically created for talented young people who are academically capable but might not wish to attend university.

Candidates who gain a place on the three-year scheme will be offered a salary of £18,000 per annum and given the chance to gain technical skills across many areas, including motor, home, lifestyle and animal health as well as pricing development, fraud and telematics.

For the first time applicants are being offered the chance to undertake a technical underwriting programme. Students will develop a wide range of skills through a rotation of placements within the product team and other underwriting functions. They will contribute to product design, underwriting strategy and new business opportunities.

The technical programme will combine hands-on work experience with a professional study programme, as all of the apprentices will also be working towards a Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) qualification.

Sophie Thompson, who is the first to graduate from the programme, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the programme and would encourage more school leavers to consider it. I was given the opportunity to explore different areas of the company and have been continually supported to develop and become the best I can be.

“It was great to be able to earn as I learn unlike many of my friends who decided to go to university. I am delighted that I have been offered a position as portfolio analyst and am looking forward to continuing my career at Allianz.”

Tom Moss, retail technical director, said: “This is a great opportunity for bright and talented individuals to gain key technical skills and qualifications, which will allow them to gain a head start in their career development without going to university.”

He adds: “We recognise that the capabilities of our people are essential for a high performance organisation. This scheme demonstrates our commitment to training and developing employees, which we are confident, will ensure that we meet the technical and leadership requirements of the future.”

To be considered for the three year programme applicants will need to achieve 280 UCAS points across 3 A-levels, including a B or above in Maths.

Applicants can apply now via the School Leavers website: http://www.allianz.co.uk/schoolleaver

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. Allianz Insurance is one of the largest general insurers in the UK and part of the Allianz SE Group, the largest property and casualty insurer worldwide. Around 83 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 2013, around 148,000 employees in over 70 countries achieved total revenue of 110.8 billion euros.