ArgoGlobal launches work experience programme in London

ArgoGlobal, the Lloyd’s insurer and member of Bermuda-based Argo Group, has launched its work experience and university bursary programme in partnership with The Brokerage Citylink.  The initiative represents a first for Lloyd’s and will create a framework of professional and monetary support which will furnish young people from Uxbridge, Merton and Hillingdon with increased opportunities to build a career in the market. The five-year programme, beginning at AS level, will enable students from the boroughs to apply, through The Brokerage Citylink, to join ArgoGlobal’s market briefing workshops. The workshops will introduce students to the Lloyd’s market with a tour of Lloyd’s, seminars on the re/insurance industry and open panel Q&As with ArgoGlobal staff to explain the various careers across the re/insurance profession.  Following these sessions, attendees will be invited to apply for work experience/internships during the school holidays. At the end of each academic year, the most promising candidates will be offered bursaries to support them through university, with the goal of a place on the ArgoGlobal graduate programme on completion of their studies. David Harris, managing director, ArgoGlobal, said: “I am truly proud to be able to announce ArgoGlobal’s partnership with The Brokerage Citylink. Our industry must do more to broaden our talent base and raise awareness and interest, outside of our traditional recruiting grounds, for careers in the re/insurance sector.  “There are tremendously talented individuals with great potential in schools across the UK who simply do not consider insurance as a profession. This is particularly true for students from underprivileged backgrounds. This initiative looks to make some headway in changing this by providing individuals with an insight and access to the exceptional variety and opportunities our industry can offer as well as providing them with the financial assistance to realise their true potential.” Salma Alloub, HR administrator, ArgoGlobal added: “This programme has been designed, in collaboration with The Brokerage Citylink, to provide ambitious young students with a comprehensive insight into the Lloyd’s market and to offer a pathway, which might not otherwise be available, into the industry. I look forward to welcoming our first intake of candidates.” Bridget Gardiner, executive director, The Brokerage Citylink, said: “We are delighted to partner with ArgoGlobal on this innovative and progressive programme. For a few talented individuals there will be real opportunities each year to work in reinsurance, supported by ArgoGlobal, but every young person that takes part will learn about the insurance profession and the many career options it offers, as well as enhancing their own employability skills and adding a valuable experience of work to their CV.”