The programme is being run in partnership with Uptree, an organisation that works with young adults through their schools to inform and help them make a successful transition from education to work.
The programme will run in schools in Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London and is designed to attract students from low income, multi-ethnicity backgrounds to join the insurance industry. Uptree specialises in connecting students from these backgrounds with the world of work and on average its network consists of 67% of young adults from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, 32% who are in receipt of free school meals and 53% female.
The programme will launch with a series of events to raise awareness of Gallagher as well as the wider insurance industry. Participants will be take part in a 12 month development programme including work experience days and networking events. Students will then potentially be offered an entry level role in Gallagher and support to help them progress as their career grows, including studying towards a CII qualification or an apprenticeship in business administration.
As well as helping students understand the insurance industry, the programme will support them to develop a range of personal effectiveness skills including communication, relationship building and personal impact. Gallagher’s programme is being funded by the Apprenticeship Levy scheme and 20% of participants’ time will be allocated to their development.
To help support the roll out, Gallagher employees will act as volunteers and mentors for students on the programme. It is currently open to applicants, and will start in September 2021.
Commenting on the programme, Claire Davies, Gallagher HR Director, said: “I am delighted that Gallagher has joined forces with Uptree to help encourage students into the world of insurance, that otherwise may not have considered it as a career option. The scheme gives us the opportunity to educate and inspire young people about their future careers and is a major step forward in our early careers strategy.”
Tamsin Dewhurst, Founder and CEO at Uptree, added: "We believe in a level playing field where every young person has access and the opportunity to progress based on their talent and potential, not their connection and background and so we are delighted to be working with Gallagher on this proactive partnership to open doors for many young people into the insurance industry."
