Word is out…

In search of the final eight apprentices who will grace the industry with their presence early next year, The Insurance Apprentice 2018 elimination rounds are set to get underway as word is out that the top finalists have been chosen.

Having scrutinized 204 applications from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, which was a very difficult task, the panel, made up of industry professionals, have made their decision for the semi-finalists who will go through to the elimination round. 

Record amount of applications

“We have received a record amount of applications, which we are very excited about. This however really made our job to identify the best mix of talent really difficult. We had a panel of nine people from six different companies who assisted us in the process. The applications for The Insurance Apprentice 2018 have never been this strong. Every year we receive a different mix of applications and every year the task is all about choosing the right mix of people. Every year we see a different set of skills, abilities and potential,” said Rianet Whitehead, Editor of FAnews and creator of the series. 

This year’s elimination rounds, sponsored by Price Forbes, are rumoured to be bringing in a whole new twist with an element of intrigue and a tiny bit of fun.

“With a bright bunch of mixed talent, we look forward to witnessing the contestants, proving to be the best of the best, bring their a-game as they take part in some tasks and activities, which marks the tough road ahead in determining who the final eight will be,” continued Whitehead. 

After the elimination rounds in Johannesburg (23 October hosted at Auto & General), Cape Town (17 October hosted at Norton Rose Fulbright), and Durban (16 October hosted at Norton Rose Fulbright) eight apprentices for series four of The Insurance Apprentice will be revealed mid-November. Filming will take place from 7 to 12 January 2018. The series will be aired early 2018 via the FAnews and The Insurance Apprentice websites, YouTube and Facebook. 

The winner will fly to London, in business class, for a week to visit Lloyds of London; the winner will also receive a bursary valued at R75 000 from Inseta and the winner wins a cash prize of R20 000 from Masifunde Training Centre. 

The road ahead

Whitehead said, “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 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.”

Our sponsors

In showing support we have a few sponsors who have already committed to The Insurance Apprentice 2018 - thank you for your support and sponsorship:

Platinum sponsors
• FNB Insurance Brokers • Inseta

Gold sponsors
• Aon South Africa • Emerald Risk Transfer • Financial Services Board (FSB) • Hollard • Insure Group
• Innovation Group • Lloyds of London • Marsh • Masifunde Training Centre • SHA Specialist Underwriters • Sasria

Silver sponsors
• Innosys • Price Forbes • Santam

Bronze sponsor
• Chubb • Discovery Insure • IISA • Norton Rose Fulbright • Tracker 

Editor’s Thoughts:
With a mixed pot of applications it makes it that much more difficult to determine and draw down the final eight as we are seeing a lot of potential in all regions. 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