National Apprenticeship Week - Interview with Joel Dawe our Claims Apprentice

It’s National Apprenticeship Week and we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the value of apprenticeships! Here at ICCI we are huge supporters of an apprenticeship scheme. It’s a fabulous opportunity for someone starting their career to earn as they learn and gain nationally recognised qualifications.

We currently have two members of staff on our apprenticeship programme - Joel in our Claims Team and Emeline in our Underwriting Team. Annabelle recently graduated from our 3 year Apprenticeship programme - keep posted to hear from Annabelle & Emeline later this week! 

Our apprentices are permanent members of our team and get to enjoy all our employee benefits. Last year, we offered an opportunity for a school leaver or graduate to join our apprenticeship programme in our Claims team as our Claims Apprentice. We caught up with Joel to hear all about his experience since joining us.

How did you hear about the opportunity for our apprenticeship at ICCI?

Whilst I was at Sixth Form, I was made aware of the opportunity for the apprenticeship scheme via an email from our Careers Adviser. This email contained valuable information about the opportunity but also contained details about Insurance Corporation as a business.

Can you share some insights into what attracted you to our apprenticeship scheme?

When I first heard about this opportunity, it immediately stuck out to me for many reasons. The apprenticeship scheme has a very strong and well laid out path for the progression of your career, which I really liked the idea of. I also looked into the values of Insurance Corporation as a company, which really aligned with what I was looking for in an employer.  

Can you describe your experience since joining Insurance Corporation?

My experience here at Insurance Corporation has been amazing so far. I was made to feel incredibly welcome by everyone at the company and I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive team. Nothing has been too big of an ask, and everyone has been more than happy to go out of their way when I required help. I also feel like I have made a lot of progress in the first 6 months due to the attention and support that I have received from my colleagues, and I think this is important as a trainee.  

What has been your biggest challenge and biggest highlight during your apprenticeship so far?

Since joining ICCI 6 months ago, Storm Ciaran has definitely been the biggest challenge that I have faced. The storm was catastrophic, causing a lot of damage across the Chanel Islands and resulting in a large quantity of claims being received. Although this was an extremely challenging time for everyone, this proved to me what a great team Insurance Corporation has. Everyone pulled together and I was proud to be part of our response to the event.

Can you describe what it is like working in our Claims team at ICCI?

I am very happy to be working alongside every person on our claims team. Despite only having been here for a short period of time, I am greatly appreciative of the support that I have received from everyone so far and already feel part of the claims team, and wider ICCI team. Across the team, there is a range of experience across the different classes of insurance, and this has been really helpful for me as whenever I have a query or concern, I know that I am able to speak to any member of the team, and they are happy to help. The team are all very hard working and provide an excellent service, which has been really inspiring for me, as an apprentice, to see.

In what ways do you believe our apprenticeship will benefit your future career in the insurance industry?

I think that the apprenticeship scheme is going to be very beneficial for my future career in insurance. The scheme provides a well-prepared timely plan for examinations, with the goal to have completed the Diploma within the 3 years. The qualifications obtained throughout the apprenticeship are widely recognised amongst the industry and highly valued, which I believe are massive benefits for a programme where you get to learn as you are earning.

What aspects of the ICCI's culture or work environment have stood out to you since you started?

Since joining, ICCI’s work environment has really stood out to me as a great one to be a part of. The office has always been a really great place, but since moving to our new location, this has improved even more. There is constantly a sense of high spirits amongst the office which is lovely to be a part of. There is also a real family feel at Insurance Corporation which I don’t think is easy to find in an employer but is very nice to see and be part of.  

Do you have any advice for people looking to do an apprenticeship with us or looking to take up a career in insurance?

When I first started working in insurance, I really had no idea what I was getting into, but I have come to realise that I really enjoy it. I would say that if you are interested in getting to help people each day, dealing with new and different things all the time, and you would like the opportunity to constantly progress, then I would definitely recommend the Insurance Corporation apprenticeship scheme to you.

#NAW2024 #Skillsforlife #Apprenticeships