Charlie
Apprentice Cargo Claims Handler · Marsh McLennan
Since the start of sixth form, I knew from the start that University wasn't for me, and that the apprenticeship route was. I also took in the various and large quantity of amazing benefits and opportunities that comes along with the apprenticeship route. This includes meeting new people, working in a different environment, getting that chance to start a professional career, expert advice in your role and so many more. Also, the idea of learning whilst working full-time was something that just lit a light bulb in my head as I personally just don't think there is a better way of learning a job whilst getting qualified at the same time.
Level 3 Insurance Practitioner at Davies Learning solutions
Working in a professional Environment, Collaboration with others, Organising/priortising workload, Time management, Problem solving
Q&A with Charlie
What are your interests outside of work?
Snooker, Football, Gym, going out doing outdoor activities
Can you describe your job and what you do on a day-to-day basis?
My role in my apprenticeship is a Cargo Claims Handler. What my day-to-day activities normally conclude are notifying new claims from incidents that have occurred globally, investigating these claims retrieving the appropriate documentation to decide further actions that need to be taken, managing claim payments to and from clients and insurers. I have also been set monthly tasks in which every day I contribute some of my time to complete. Every Monday I use my time to complete my apprenticeship work and study for exams.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I would say the highlight of my career so far has to be my trip to Belfast on which I am so grateful to be able to receive such an opportunity at an early stage of my career. I was lucky enough to meet colleagues in the Belfast office and to attend a presentation that related to my line of work.
What has been the biggest challenge of your career so far?
I would say the biggest challenge of my career so far has to be balancing my own time to focus on apprenticeship work and job work. This is because your workload varies so much during the start of your career and is something you need to get control of.
What sort of support network do you have at your company?
I have so much support coming from various sources. This includes resource groups I have joined at my company, colleagues and my coach at my training provider. I also feel that at my company I can speak to anyone I ever have a conversation with and this is something I'm very grateful for to have at such a wonderful company.
What will happen at the end of your apprenticeship and have you discussed this with your employer?
At the end of my apprenticeship once I have hopefully passed my exams and apprenticeship, I will then discuss different opportunities I have available for my next steps. A couple examples I have already received are to stay with my team I am now in or to complete a more advanced learning scheme.
What would be your words of advice to someone thinking about doing an apprenticeship?
The advice I would give to someone looking for an apprenticeship is to apply for many different opportunities and in various different sectors. Even applying for some apprenticeships which don't take your interest , I would still apply for them as this will give you an idea and experience of the recruitment process and the kind of questions employers ask in your interviews. I felt from applying for so many apprenticeships it also gives you different plans you may be able to fall back on if you sadly didn't get your first choice.
