BT Life Insurance has launched a trainee program which aims to raise the skill level of its employees so they can join the underwriting and claims teams.
Described by the insurer as an industry-first, the program facilitates knowledge sharing between underwriting and claims trainees, and was developed in response to the industry-wide underwriting and claims skills shortage. BT hopes the investment in training will give advisers more access to underwriters and claims managers who are committed, professional and highly engaged risk specialists.
The early phase of the intensive program focuses on key areas of commonality in underwriting and claims, before progressing to specialist competencies. BT believes this is the first time in the Australian life insurance industry that a trainee program of this nature has been designed in this way.
We must continue to identify talent and retain great people in order to deliver the best customer outcomes
The program is headed by Brid O’Sullivan, BT Underwriting and Claims Technical Capability Manager, and Neil Borthwick, BT Claims Technical Manager, with support from BT’s reinsurance partner, RGA, and their in-house GULF training program. In addition, 15 coaches from the underwriting and claims teams are supporting the delivery of the training.
“Our people are our biggest asset. We must continue to identify talent and retain great people in order to deliver the best customer outcomes, and ensure we have people that are truly engaged,” Tracey Crowe, National Manager for Underwriting and Claims BT, said.
“Developing and delivering a comprehensive program of this nature has been amazing, the response by the trainees has been fantastic, and it is absolutely critical, given the current market.”
Nine trainees are currently participating in the program, which commenced on 10 February 2014. Training is expected to be completed in April 2015.
