Insurance - one of the best-kept career secrets

Seeking a rewarding career, and the opportunity to gain industry leading qualifications? Well, look no further.

Aston Lark’s Early Careers Programme aims to promote insurance as a great career choice for all. Designed for school-leavers, university graduates, and those seeking a career change, the three-year long programme provides extensive hands-on training in a supportive environment, with the opportunity to work in a variety of roles across our business – the opportunity to blend your work with your passions are almost endless.

Over five weeks you will have the opportunity to learn and grow outside of a branch environment, alongside your Early Careers cohort, which will equip you with the knowledge and skills to hit the ground running in your chosen role.

For more information, read our FAQs.

If you’re ready to get a foot on the insurance career ladder, visit our vacancies page to learn more and apply for our Early Careers Programme.

What our Early Careers cohort have to say

“I went into the programme not knowing much about insurance, but this wasn’t an issue as the training plan gave a great introduction and insight into all sectors of the industry which put me at ease for when I started my role. As well as training on insurance we also had soft skill training which I found beneficial, it helped with my confidence and developing my active listening, communication, and presentation skills.”

Ellie – Assistant Account Handler

“The two best things that have come out of this course I would say are the connections across the business that have been made, and the friendships that have been formed in the group that I have worked with.”

Sean – Assistant Account Handler

“This experience has given me the confidence and knowledge to feel more prepared to start work within my team and begin my career in underwriting. As a graduate, Aston Lark has given me fantastic support in transitioning into the insurance industry and I have confidence that I am on a pathway that offers me excellent opportunities for career and personal development with the company.”

Aisling – Assistant Underwriter

A day in the life of a young insurance broker

Still not convinced a career in insurance is right for you?

Discover what a day in the life is like for an Assistant Account Handler in our Employee Benefits division.

Why choose Aston Lark?

Our fantastic team come from a variety of backgrounds and places across the United Kingdom.

Learn what attracted them to Aston Lark, and what they enjoy most about working in the insurance sector.

Providing pathways into the insurance profession for diverse talent

As a member of the Howden group of companies, we’ve embraced #AllOfUs – a campaign to highlight our commitment to recruit and retain the very best talent from a range of backgrounds.

Leaders from across the Howden group have made individual commitments to help build a business for the future that we can be proud of.

Here at Aston Lark, Warren Dickson, Managing Director – UK Retail, has pledged:

“To help create a truly inclusive business, by supporting the attraction and development of diverse talent. To realise our commitment, each year we will provide pathways into the insurance profession through our Early Careers Programme for at least 50 school and university graduates, or those with experience in a different field and the desire to make a change.”

 

When is the closing date for applications?

Contact our Talent Acquisition team (talent@astonlark.com) for specific application deadlines. If you miss the deadline, don’t worry we encourage you to keep an eye on our website or LinkedIn page for updates.  Alternatively, you can request to be added to our mailing list to receive up-to-date information.

Add me to the Early Careers mailing list

There is lots of interest in joining our Early Careers Programme and there are several stages with the recruitment process. We encourage candidates to complete applications as soon as possible to avoid missing out!

What qualifications do I need?

You will need a minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 (A*-C) to be considered for the Programme. In addition, we are looking for skills that will support you to work effectively with our clients and teams. Examples of this are customer service, communication skills, problem solving, natural curiosity, and attention to detail.

I have applied in the past, can I re-apply?

Absolutely! During your application you will need to demonstrate you have taken on-board prior feedback as this can help you achieve success this time around.

How can I apply?

Applying is easy. Email your cover letter and CV to talent@astonlark.com. .

If you have any questions prior to making your application or require support with reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, email the Talent Acquisition team who will respond as soon as possible.

When do the Programmes start?

We are committed to three in-takes per year: January, June and September.

What is the interview process?

We have a three-stage process that helps us learn lots more about you and your career motivations.

If your application is successful, the first stage is a digital solo interview. You will be sent a link to your personal interview room. In the interview room you will record yourself answering a series of questions that come up on the screen. Once completed, you save the details and submit it back to us. The interview is approximately 30 minutes in duration, though we don’t mind if you need more time – keep sharing your information as we love to hear from you.

The next stage is online pre-employment testing looking at numeracy, verbal reasoning, customer service and attention to detail. This takes around 50 minutes to complete.

You’re almost there! The final stage is a virtual interview with members of our team from around the Group. This helps us get to know you better and build our knowledge of the information you have previously shared with us.

What if I need more time to complete my digital interview?

When you receive your invitation to a digital solo interview, we encourage you to complete within 72 hours as we seeking to fill the roles on a rolling basis. If you require more time, please let us know at talent@astonlark.com.

What will I be doing on the Programme?

Our Programme lasts for three years during which time you will begin with five-week residential course to develop your insurance knowledge – providing you with the foundation to kick-start your career as an insurance professional across key areas of our business, including broking, claims and underwriting.

Through our three-year development programme, you will receive multiple learning opportunities from online, hands on, and group projects. From the very beginning, you will receive tailored coaching and support from your manager and mentor. The five-week residential course will focus on developing your knowledge of Aston Lark, whilst the latter stages are designed to expose you to your new role and the insurance industry.

Kick-start your insurance career with our Early Careers Programme.