The Chartered Insurance Institute has launched a 12-month pilot programme with Birmingham City University in a bid to boost the insurance market’s talent pipeline. The initiative will see a variety of insurance experts engage with BCU’s business school and provide information and guidance on potential career opportunities and pathways.

The programme will include guest lectures, mentoring, employability support sessions, networking events, careers fairs, work-experience placements, links to apprenticeships and graduate schemes and visits to insurance organisations, including Lloyd’s of London.

Former insurance broker and MP Craig Tracey is leading the project for the CII.

He said: “We know it’s a critical time for the profession as it faces widening workforce pressures: one in four employees are over 50, more than 70% of insurers report shortages in data and tech skills, over half of brokers are warning of a looming talent crisis and only 4% of young people see insurance as an appealing career option.

“In view of this, stronger early careers pathways with closer educational and sector collaborations are now essential, which is exactly what this partnership is designed to deliver.”

Sam Roberts, head of department of accountancy, finance and economics at BCU, added: “By bringing industry experts directly into the learning experience, we are giving our students unparalleled insight into a sector that offers a wide range of rewarding career paths.”