The 2017 Insurance Apprentice series’ planning and master minding is well underway but there are still few who are wondering whether or not they should enter the competition.
Some just need that one question answered or they just need to hear from previous participants why they decided to enter.
Why should you enter?
To ease this uncertainty, Aon South Africa and Norton Rose Fulbright hosted the #AskApprentice event on 12 August where panel members, consisting of apprentices from both series one and two and a guest judge, answered questions and networked with guests.
Rianet Whitehead, Editor of FAnews and creator of the series, and panel members consisting of Alicia Narainsamy, Andre Brooks, Chris Caalsen, Karabo Kopeka, Roxanne Griffiths, Unathi Ntengo and guest judge Simon Colman dealt with an array of topics from what The Insurance Apprentice is really all about, to what is expected before, during and after filming week.
Master of Ceremony Zanele Dintwa, Employee Engagement Business Partner at Aon South Africa, started the conversation with a little pep talk and then went on to introduce the panel members.
The process and structure
Whitehead took the guests through the whole process of The Insurance Apprentice. From the close of applications which is on the 30th of September, to the elimination process and finally the filming week.
Ntengo told the guests, “The Apprentice is nicely structured that once you are picked the documents you get help with informing you and your company about the whole programme. It is a worthy process and you will not be taken away from work for too long,” he said.
Colman, on the other hand, took the audience through a typical day during the filming week. “Throughout the day you are surrounded by cameramen and there are interviews taking place, tasks and presentations.”
What did it take to win?
In giving advice to the guests on the winning strategy Griffiths said the strongest is not always the loudest. “Team work and getting along with the team is part of the package. It is your ability to grow and learn from the day before and move on the next day,” continued Griffiths.
Brooks said, “Team work makes the dream work. It is how you cope and how you adapt to the environment.”
Colman said that authenticity is what makes a winner. “Authenticity in a person is difficult to achieve in front of a camera. Other than authenticity, honesty, being yourself and humility are key to winning.”
What’s in it for you?
Most of the panel members agreed that the exposure provided by The Insurance Apprentice gave them the opportunity to challenge themselves, to grow on a personal and professional level and showcase what they are all about.
In closing the apprentices gave the following tips: grow and learn. Balance – it is about knowing when to talk and when to keep quiet. Take yourself out of the situation holistically and see how you can do better today and tomorrow and use the judge’s feedback to your benefit. Learning to listen is more important than fame. Be honest, have integrity and credibility.
Enter now - it's worth it
If you want to enter simply visit www.theinsuranceapprentice.co.za fill out the application and apply. The time is now!
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