Q&A with George Worby

Posted: 6 February 2023

In 2021 we launched the Allianz Broker Apprenticeship Programme.

Developed with specialist apprenticeship training provider, Davies Learning Solutions, the programme provides candidates with the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to excel in their role. It also supports them to achieve insurance qualifications from the Chartered Insurance Institute.

We’re delighted to announce that we have launched our second programme.

Want to understand what an apprenticeship really is? George Worby of Daines Kapp, our first apprentice to graduate from the 2021 programme, shares his reflections of the programme.

george worby
George Worby, Daines Kapp

1) What interested you about applying for the apprenticeship programme?

I was new to the insurance industry, having spent the previous 7 years working in higher education. My employer presented a development plan to me before joining and the Level 3 – Insurance Practitioner apprenticeship with Allianz was starting within the first few months of me joining the company.

The thought of structured learning, helping me to achieve Cert CII in the process, was really appealing and would give me a good foundation in the world of insurance and insurance broking.

There are so many opportunities to learn within the industry, which can sometimes be overwhelming (especially when starting out), but the apprenticeship brought all that together and provided a pathway for me as a new starter.

2) What's been the best thing about it?

The 1:1 coaching sessions - I really enjoyed the monthly sessions with my coach, Anne. It gave me the opportunity to reflect on what I had learnt over the previous month, areas of interest to develop further and it gave structure to my studies. A number of good ideas came from my coaching sessions that I either have integrated into my company or would like to explore in the future.

3) What's been the hardest thing about it?

Time management - The apprenticeship does take time, especially if you want to give it the attention it deserves. You need to be committed and very disciplined to complete the work involved in the apprenticeship, such as recording off the job training, preparing for the portfolio and studying for CII qualifications. At the same time, there is the day-to-day work of your job and this changes as you develop. I had a supportive employer and an understanding coach which allowed me to do both.

4) What was your perception of apprenticeships before applying?

I had some insight into the benefit of apprenticeships before entering the insurance industry. I was aware of Degree Apprenticeships, from my time working in higher education, in which employees of companies study a university degree alongside their day-to-day job. I always thought this was a brilliant option for students and would encourage anyone to explore this if they want the university experience.

One of the typical pre-conceptions of apprenticeships is that they are for school leavers or those at the start of their career.

This is very true, but it is not limited to these groups and is much wider reaching. An apprenticeship really is for anyone. The Level 3 – Insurance Practitioner, Level 4 – Insurance Professional and Level 6 – Senior Insurance Professional highlight that you can undertake an apprenticeship at any point of your career in insurance.

5) How important do you think it is to have CII qualifications?

For me, it was one of the main reasons for doing the apprenticeship. I was eager to get professional qualifications in insurance and Cert CII is the first step on that journey. I felt a huge sense of achievement when passing my Cert CII exams and reaching Cert CII status. I don’t think CII qualifications are the be all and end all, however.

Experience is a big factor in the insurance industry and there are some very knowledgeable people who don’t have CII qualifications. I don’t have the same level of experience so studying for CII qualifications is a great option for me.

6) How have Allianz supported you and would you encourage other brokers to sign up?

Allianz were very supportive, my business development manager would check-in with me to see how I was getting on and they also invited me to a two-day finance webinar, giving me exposure to something new at the same time as preparing me for Dip CII. I enjoyed telling people that I was on an apprenticeship that was sponsored by Allianz as people recognise the company as a big name in the insurance industry.

I would definitely encourage other brokers to sign up to the apprenticeship. If you are starting out in insurance, the Level 3 – Insurance Practitioner apprenticeship gives you a well-rounded introduction to insurance. If you are continuing to develop or even have been in the insurance industry for some time, the Level 4 and Level 6 options are well worth considering.


The information contained in this press release relates to Allianz Insurance plc. Allianz Insurance plc is one of the largest general insurers in the UK and part of the Allianz Group.

About Allianz Holdings plc

Allianz Holdings plc is the non-regulated holding company which owns the principal insurance operations of Allianz SE in Great Britain.

About Allianz

The Allianz Group is one of the world's leading insurers and asset managers with more than 100 million* private and corporate customers in more than 70 countries. Allianz customers benefit from a broad range of personal and corporate insurance services, ranging from property, life and health insurance to assistance services to credit insurance and global business insurance. Allianz is one of the world’s largest investors, managing 790 billion euros on behalf of its insurance customers. Furthermore, our asset managers PIMCO and Allianz Global Investors manage 1.7 trillion euros of third-party assets. Thanks to our systematic integration of ecological and social criteria in our business processes and investment decisions, we are amongst the leaders in the insurance industry in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. In 2021, over 150,000 employees achieved total revenues of 148.5 billion euros and an operating profit of 13.4 billion euros for the group.

These assessments are, as always, subject to the disclaimer provided below. 

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