Career Development: Allianz Scholarship Programme welcomes new intake

The successful applicants were joined at the event by Allianz chief underwriting officer Neil Clutterbuck and Keith Richards, managing director of engagement at the Chartered Insurance Institute.

The programme supports high-performing commercial and personal lines brokers to achieve their CII Diploma in Insurance in 18 months.

Clutterbuck said: “I am delighted to welcome our fifth cohort of 36 scholars who successfully navigated an intensive selection process from some 200 applicants.

“Allianz is delighted to support brokers in this way who share the same desire to see the industry raise the bar around technical expertise and professionalism.”

The scheme was launched in 2012, with the first round of applications opening in February of that year. Nearly 200 brokers received tuition over the first five years of the programme.

Speaking at the launch, Chris Hanks, Allianz Commercial general manager at the time, said: “I believe our development and scholarship programmes will help foster talented, ambitious individuals, demonstrate the attractiveness of a career in insurance and ensure the future success of not only the individuals taking part but the insurance industry on the whole.”

Speaking to Post earlier this year, Allianz CEO Jon Dye said: “Two of the most important benefits within the programme centre on motivating the individual.

“The course includes the possibility of achieving the Diploma from the CII in 18 months as well as providing many opportunities for networking with peers and experts.

“Industry-recognised qualifications, such as the CII, are a mark of professional achievement, not just internally but externally too. They send a message to the industry’s customers that we take this industry seriously and we are experts in what we do.”