The 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.
SS&L has been working closely with Claims Consortium Group to develop eight apprenticeship roles within the group’s claims handling team. The apprentices will be able to 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 while 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.
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.
“Working closely with Alicia Hodges, Leader of People and Culture at Claims Consortium Group, we have been able to offer a great first step on the career ladder. Plus, it’s 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.”
Somerset Skills and Learning has just opened its state-of the-art learning centre in Taunton and apprentices who secure a place with the Claims Consortium will be able to use the centre for to receive the high-quality teaching and learning delivered by dedicated tutors.
Alicia Hodges, Leader of People and Culture at Claims Consortium, added: “Claims Consortium Group 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 ‘Investors 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.”
One such apprentice is Georgia Ayres, a people and 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 said: “As an apprentice working at Claims Consortium Group 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. Employers who would be interested in taking on an apprentice can contact SS&L by emailing enquiries@sslcic.co.uk or telephone 0330 332 7997. Applications for apprenticeships with the Claims Consortium can be made online at https://sslcourses.co.uk/apprenticeships/vacancies.
Join Somerset Chamber of Commerce to give your business a stronger voice both locally, regionally and nationally. Combined with local town chambers, we represent over 2,000 businesses across Somerset with a direct line to policy-makers at all levels.
