The Insurance Apprentice series six entries close

Entries for series six of The Insurance Apprentice officially closed, with 138 applications received.

What’s next?

So, what now? Having closed entries for the competition on 31 August, the next step is to move onto the elimination rounds. This year’s elimination rounds, sponsored by Constantia Insurance, will be bringing in an element of intrigue and a tiny bit of fun. 

“We have sponsored the elimination rounds because we firmly believe in the vision and purpose of The Insurance Apprentice – providing a platform for talented individuals to upskill and profile themselves, and hopefully realise their career aspirations within the insurance industry. Our purpose is ‘insurance made personal’ and we believe there is a great synergy between our brand and an initiative such as The Insurance Apprentice, which creates a platform for individuals to showcase their abilities in pursuit of realising their own personal goals and aspirations,” said Alex Taljaard, General Manager of Group Marketing at Constantia Insurance. 

Rianet Whitehead, Editor of FAnews and the creator of The Insurance Apprentice says, “we are pleased to welcome Constantia Insurance on board for TIA2020 as our elimination sponsor. It is a priority to attract the necessary talent and that is why we do the elimination rounds in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.” 

For those candidates that make it through to the second round, elimination dates are as follows:

• Durban 1 October;
• Cape Town 2 October; and
• Johannesburg 3 October. 

Once this adventure is complete, panelists will then sift through these applications and identify the top 20 candidates who will take part in a video voting element in order to reach the final destination in determining the top eight for The Insurance Apprentice 2020. 

If you don’t make it

Not making the cut is always disappointing and no matter how we word it, it is not the best email to receive. 

“I keep reminding people that the best things in life don’t always come easy and when you eventually make it through to the reward, the taste of victory is sweet. Never give up… I suppose it is all about how bad you want it!” says Whitehead.

It is okay to lose, to lose often, and to lose time and again. It builds character. Those that dust themselves off and try again, are the ones who ultimately succeed. Just remember… at the end of the day it is your decision if you want to apply again, but just how bad do you want the experience and the prize? 

The road ahead

Whitehead says, “We have a long process ahead of us in determining who the final eight will be, but the elimination rounds will bring us a bit closer to where we need to go. Thanks to Constantia Insurance, my team and the industry experts, the process will ease accordingly.” 

Whitehead wished to thank the panel members for their support and participation. She said, “It is comforting to know that there is a strong commitment to this initiative I believe is beneficial to the industry and with a helping hand, we are one step closer to the start of something great.” 

We would like to remind you… the winner of The Insurance Apprentice wins R75 000 bursary for the winner, sponsored by Inseta, a trip to Lloyds of London, sponsored by Lloyds of London, a R20 000 cash prize, sponsored by the Graduate Institute of Financial Sciences (GIFS), a R10 000 cash prize, sponsored by Tracker, an Apple watch, sponsored by Genasys Technologies and so much more! 

The runner up wins a bursary from GIFS worth R27 500. Third place will also receive a bursary from GIFS worth R27 500. 

Each of the eight apprentices will also receive a R1 000 Uber voucher, sponsored by Discovery Insure and a ‘dress for success’ and mentor session sponsored by GIFS. 

Proud sponsors of #TIA2020

In showing support here are our #TIA2020 sponsors - thank you for your support and sponsorship: AIG, Aon South Africa, Bryte Insurance, Chubb, Constantia Insurance, Discovery Insure, Emerald Risk Transfer, FNB Insurance Brokers, Genasys Technologies, Graduate Institute of Financial Sciences (GIFS), Innovation Group, Inseta, Lloyds of London, Marsh, Old Mutual Insure, Sasria SOC Ltd, SHA Risk Specialists and Tracker South Africa. 

Editor’s Thoughts:
With a daunting task ahead, we wish the panel members luck in gauging an accurate way to compare candidates and filter out applications. If you have any questions please comment below, interact with us on Twitter at @fanews_online or email me - myra@fanews.co.za.