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 – were they also a bit nervous; is it worth it; how much time is it out of the office etc?
To ease this uncertainty, Aon South Africa and Norton Rose Fulbright hosted the #AskApprentice event on 12 August in Sandton where panel members consisting of apprentices from both series one and two and a guest judge, answered questions and interacted 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 the filming week.
Why should you enter?
Master of Ceremony Zanele Dintwa, Employee Engagement Business Partner at Aon South Africa, started the conversation with a little pep talk by encouraging the attending guests to put themselves out there and tap into people with experience. “That is how you will grow in the industry.”
She then went on to introduce the panel members and asked them questions. 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.
The process and structure
Whitehead then took the floor by taking 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; attendees gained valuable insight.
“Regional rounds will take place in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. If chosen to go through to the second round, you will be notified at the beginning of October. Filming will take place from 8 to 13 January 2017,” she said.
When asked how much time was taken out of the office with the whole process mentioned above by Whitehead, Ntengo told the guests, “The apprentice is nicely structured that once you are picked the documents you get help with informing your company and you being a representative and an ambassador for the 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. “Walking into the room in the morning you are surrounded by cameramen ready to start filming. Throughout the day 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. Energy and integrity were key for me in becoming the winner of the 2015 series. Every day was different, but it is your ability to grow and learn from the day before and move on the next day. Lloyds in itself was fascinating. The networking was great, there were so many aspects of insurance I got to experience. It was a fantastic experience,” continued Griffiths.
Brooks said, “Teamwork makes the dream work. It is how you cope and how you adapt to the environment. Just because you are loud does not mean you will win.”
Colman on the other hand, as a judge, said 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. If you enter with these qualities, you have a shot but be aware thatconfidence sometimes turns to arrogance.”
What’s in it for you?
When asked why he decided to participate in The Insurance Apprentice Colman said, “At first I wanted to take part in The Insurance Apprentice because I wanted to get people passionate about liability and to look at it differently. However, after I got involved I realized it was much more than that. It is a great way for people to market themselves and their brands.”
Caalsen said he put himself out there to challenge himself. “That is the only way you grow. It is about setting goals. That was the motivating factor to aid my career.My bar has been set high and I am challenging myself. My personal brand is also being supported by my company. This has given me the opportunity to show my potential and I am going to take it.”
Kopeka, like Caalsen, said he also wanted to challenge himself. “In life you look at people and ask what they are doing differently to you. Then you set goals and push yourself because if those people can do something, so can you.Sometimes you get used to your own environment and then you settle and become the average. I entered to network and meet new people and to put myself out there.”
Ntengo said you go into The Insurance Apprentice not knowing what to expect and you come out different. “It takes your personal profile to a different trajectory. People look at you differently. They have a certain respect for you. It also changes your brand at corporate level.”
In closing the apprentices gave the following tips: Grow and learn. Balance – it is about knowing when to talk and when to keep quiet. Learn as much as possible within the industry, do not limit your knowledge. 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. And lastly, enjoy and have a fun experience.
Editor’s Thoughts:
After the #AskApprentice event we hope those unanswered questions have been answered and that those who were hesitant will consider entering the competition. If you want to enter simply visit www.theinsuranceapprentice.co.za. If you have any questions please comment below, interact with us on Twitter at @fanews_online or email me - myra@fanews.co.za
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