John Fair

John Fair joined Aon in October 2008, starting his career in insurance as a Trainee Client Manager. John is located in Bristol, after moving there in 2005 to study Accounting and Internet Systems at the University of the West of England, where he graduated in 2009.

The apprenticeship has helped John start a career: “I am almost set to finish my apprenticeship having learnt a lot within the insurance industry. Once I have completed my training and have been signed off as competent, I will be looking after a portfolio of clients of mid to high net worth within the private clients sector of the company. I will mainly be organising household insurance for these clients with the odd motor policy too. I feel it has been going well as learning a new trade is quite challenging.

“I received my Certificate in Insurance in October 2009, having done 3 modules since joining Aon. The modules were; IF1 – Insurance, legal and regulatory, IF2 – General insurance business and IF6 – Household insurance products. I am now studying for my Diploma in insurance and the P92 – Insurance business and finance.”

John plans to continue studying whilst working: “Once I have received my NVQ and have been signed off as competent, I will continue with my diploma and learning on the job. With so many different aspects to insurance, there are plenty of new things to learn. I feel it is very important to continue with my exams going forward, as if I took a break from them I feel I’d probably not return to studying. It is ideal for me recently leaving university because I still have an exam mindset. I believe having qualifications gives you an edge in the long run.

“There are many benefits of the programme I am currently doing. A big advantage of it is that I can aim to get my qualifications whilst working. I, along with a lot of people in the insurance industry “fell into” the profession. I had nearly finished University and wanted to get on the career ladder. As I had no work experience I thought it was a great opportunity when I found that Aon was offering a trainee programme. Some of my friends who had degrees and some elements of work experience were struggling to find any work so this was an opportunity that I could not miss.

“I would recommend studying with the National Skills Academy for Financial Services. It has been a great opportunity to be able to study as well as work, especially in an industry like insurance. I would also recommend taking any extra training as it all goes towards your learning. It also looks good on your CV!”