The Chartered Insurance Institute has partnered with Birmingham City University (BCU) Business School to launch a 12-month pilot programme aimed at tackling the UK insurance sector's mounting workforce challenges.
The initiative is designed to give students structured exposure to a wide range of careers in insurance, helping them develop the technical skills, confidence and professional networks required to enter the profession.
The sector is facing a convergence of workforce pressures. Around one in four insurance employees are over 50, creating an imminent wave of retirements.
At the same time, more than 70% of insurers reported shortages in data, technology and digital skills, while over half of brokers warn of a looming talent crisis. Combined with low awareness and interest among young people -- only 4% see insurance as a viable career path -- these trends pose a risk to business continuity and sector growth.
Craig Tracey, former insurance broker and Member of Parliament, leads the project for the CII and emphasised the urgency of intervention. He highlighted that early-career pathways and closer collaboration with educational institutions are essential to addressing the skills gap and attracting a diverse high-calibre workforce.
Adam Harper, director of strategy, advocacy and professional standards at CII, said the programme is about turning the sector's ambitions into practical action. Students are expected to benefit from mentoring, guest lectures, networking opportunities, work experience placements and insight into apprenticeships and graduate schemes.
The initiative is designed to demystify insurance careers, highlight the wide spectrum of specialist and client-facing roles, and provide clear routes into professional qualifications, he added.
Meanwhile, Sam Roberts, head of BCU's Department of Accountancy, Finance and Economics, said the programme will offer students exposure to the sector's breadth, dynamism and global connections, adding that industry professionals will engage directly with students through live briefs on career fairs, assessment preparation and educational visits to firms.
Supported by BCU’s Public and Community Engagement Team, the programme will also allow students to gain CII membership and introductory qualification support. By connecting students with insurers, brokers, and trade bodies, the pilot aims to address both immediate skills shortages and the long-term challenge of sustaining a resilient UK insurance workforce.
