Growing Somerset’s talent for the future with apprenticeships

11th April 2019

Claims Consortium and Somerset Skills and Learning (SS&L) are proud to announce they have been working in partnership to create apprenticeship opportunities in Taunton.

Claims Consortium has been working with SS&L to develop eight fantastic apprenticeship roles within their claims handling team. The apprentices can gain valuable customer service and administration skills as well as first-hand experience dealing with customers. Apprenticeships offer the perfect option for anyone who wants to start developing a career whilst gaining meaningful work-based experience alongside study, to gain valuable qualifications. As well as apprenticeships being an increasingly popular route for many young people, they are open to any age of applicant and often suit those seeking a change of career or people returning to work following career breaks.

Alicia Hodges, Leader of People and Culture at Claims Consortium commented, “Claims Consortium is delighted to be working with SS&L on this scheme, as their approach exposes us to a diverse range of apprentices within the community. As an ‘Investor in People’ employer, development is a huge part of our core business values and we aim not to only support our apprentices throughout their learning but look to provide an environment which enables them to gain valuable life skills which they can utilise going forward in their career. The apprentices we have had at Claims Consortium Group have been an asset to the business and as an employer it has been great to see them develop into working professionals.”

Laurie Wills, Account Manager at SS&L who has been integral to the project said: “It’s a really exciting opportunity for anyone looking to develop their career in a progressive and supportive organisation. We had already worked with the charity, Stand Against Violence, which Claims Consortium has sponsored for the last 5 years and they put us in touch. Working closely with Alicia Hodges we have been able to offer a great first step on the career ladder. Plus they’re a fantastic company to work for with some excellent benefits, all of which will be offered to the apprentices who join. We’ll be delivering the training to help the apprentices gain their qualifications and Claims Consortium will be offering the work-based experience throughout the programme.”

Apprentices offer employers a means to grow their own talent and build the future of their organisation from the grass roots. Somerset Skills and Learning have just opened their state of the art learning centre in Taunton and apprentices who secure a place with Claims Consortium will be able to access this centre to receive the high-quality teaching and learning delivered by dedicated tutors.

One such apprentice is Georgia Ayres (People & Culture Apprentice), who joined the company in September 2017 and has gone from strength to strength taking on more responsibilities and winning Employee of the Month. Georgia says: “As an apprentice working at Claims Consortium I have seen not only my skills and knowledge grow but also my confidence with communicating and working in new environments grow too. Apprenticeships give a great opportunity to earn money while learning and you get a qualification out of it. It builds the foundations of your journey into the working world to help you become whatever you want to be!”

This partnership reflects the growing need to develop and retain talent across Somerset and apprenticeship schemes are a valuable way in ensuring the future of Somerset based organisations. If you’re interested in finding out how you can secure one of the opportunities with us you can apply at https://sslcourses.co.uk/apprenticeships/vacancies