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About The Insurance Apprentice
A competition… and more
The Insurance Apprentice is a reality styled series competition where contestants are filmed over a one-week period. The ultimate aim of The Insurance Apprentice is about harnessing skills, attracting more people to the insurance industry, and educating the wider world about the fact that insurance is about more than call centres and funeral policies. This series premiered in 2015 and has successfully shot and produced six seasons to date.
It all started with the need to make a difference in an industry we love… and a way to expand our already successful FAnews business.
FAnews, a digital and print publication operating in the insurance and financial services industry is the foundation of our business… a business that was started by co-owner Rianet Whitehead’s late father. To keep the legacy going and to share the owners’ (Rianet Whitehead and Michelle Schreuder-Rankin) passion for the industry and the absolute need to change the perception of the industry, an idea of combining education and entertainment came about… an idea that was embraced by many who share the passion of creating a better industry.
Why do we do it?
We have a million reasons, but the most important reasons are:- Who does not like a decent reality show? Yes… exactly that. But you’ll have to see it for yourself.
- We make this industry a better place by growing young (under 35’s) people to be the leaders of tomorrow; the leaders we so desperately need.
- We change perceptions… showing everyone outside of our industry that insurance is not only about call centres and funeral policies; it’s an industry filled with a massive variety of skills and opportunities.
- We educate people working in- and outside of our industry… not only do we give the contestants technical tasks, but they are also challenged to think about the environment, about social responsibility, general business principles and more. Learning happens for those taking part, and most certainly also for those watching the episodes.
Don’t wait… Like and Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn and make sure you subscribe to TheInsApp YouTube channel.
If you love this, have any ideas to make it better or you want to be part of this in any way, please contact us. Enjoy the episodes; you will be hooked…
Why Apply for The Insurance Apprentice?
The exposure provided by The Insurance Apprentice enhances a person’s credibility as an insurance professional. It gives people the opportunity to challenge themselves, to grow on a personal and professional level and showcase what they are all about so that they can grow within their own companies.
If you win, you walk away with an amazing prize with a trip of a lifetime to Lloyds of London, sponsored by Lloyds of London and a bursary, sponsored by Inseta, to further your studies.
FAQ
Q: I have employees who will do great in this competition, but I do not want to lose them after the competition as I know they will be headhunted. How do I prevent that from happening?
A: There is no need for you to be concerned about this, rather be proud of the talent that you have within your organisation. Looking at most of the past contestants, only a few left their respective companies; and most were promoted as you, the employer, now also get a glimpse of what they are capable of. Should an individual choose to leave the company, this is solely based on their own decision making. “Train people well enough so they can leave; treat them well enough so that they don’t want to.”
Q: What is The Insurance Apprentice all about?
A: The Insurance Apprentice is all about skills development, and at the same time showing the exciting and fun side of the industry. We grow leaders, we change perceptions and we make this industry an industry people would want to come and work in.
Q: Why should I enter? What’s in it for me?
A: The exposure provided by The Insurance Apprentice enhances a person’s credibility as an insurance professional. It gives people the opportunity to challenge themselves, to grow on a personal and professional level and showcase what they are all about so that they can grow within their own companies. And if you win, you walk away with an amazing prize with a trip of a lifetime to Lloyd’s of London, sponsored by Lloyd’s of London and a bursary, sponsored by Inseta, to further your studies.
Q: What is the criteria to enter?
A: If you are younger than 35, have been in the short term insurance industry (any part of it) for more than four years – be it at a brokerage, insurer, underwriting manager, loss adjuster, administrator, or any other company you are eligible to enter.
Q: The Insurance Apprentice takes place in Johannesburg, but what if I live in Cape Town or Durban?
A: Regional rounds take place in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. If you make it to the elimination rounds, you will travel at your own cost to the elimination round closest to you.
Q: What happens after regional rounds take place?
A: A select number of panellists carefully analyze the applicants and applications and identify and select the final eight/nine contestants who will take part in the next series of The Insurance Apprentice. The candidates who did not make it will be notified via email.
Q: If I make it into the top eight/nine, what happens next?
A: If you make it into the final eight/nine you will have to take a week off from your company. Filming of TIA 2021 has been delayed and will only take place mid-2021. You will be notified well in advance.
Q: What can I expect during filming week?
A: It will be a week of learning, stress, meeting great people and mentors and experiencing something you have never experienced before. A lot of learning happens, with a mild bit of fun in-between.
Q: Can I enter The Insurance Apprentice on my own or does my company have to get involved in anyway?
A: You can enter on your own as long as you are eligible (see requirements); it is however better if your company supports you during the journey.
Q: What if I entered the competition the previous year, but only made it to the elimination round?
A: You can enter as many times as you want. If you made it to the final eight/nine you cannot enter the competition again. We have had quite a few contestants who had to enter more than once before they made it to the finals.
Q: How can I stay up to date and know what’s happening with The Insurance Apprentice?
A: To keep up to date with The Insurance Apprentice, like The Insurance Apprentice on Facebook, sign up on the YouTube/TheInsApp channel and follow The Insurance Apprentice on Twitter and on Instagram. We also send out a newsletter, so make sure you sign up.
Q: You mention that there are eight or nine contestants. Is it eight or nine?
A: When we go through the elimination rounds, the judges choose their Top 20, and also their Top 8. The Top 20 contestants have to make a one-minute video and we upload it on the website, Facebook and YouTube. Contestants then have to promote themselves and get their followers to vote for them. Voting happens over two weeks. The contestant with the most votes, will go through to filming week. Should this person be one of the judge’s choices, it will be eight contestants. If the person was not one of the eight, there will be nine contestants.
Q: How much time will I have to take off work?
A: You will need to take off one day for the elimination round, one day for Meet the Apprentice filming day, and then a few months later for one week, for the filming of The Insurance Apprentice. So, if you thought you are too busy to take part, you can see that it will not take up a lot of your time. Normally, companies do not force contestants to take leave, as this is like a leadership course. Confirm this with your company in advance.
Q: How can companies support their employees if they are going on this amazing journey?
A: During the past six years it was incredible to see how many companies supported their employees with mentoring sessions and opportunities to engage with past apprentices. Moral support and guidance were a priority for many, and it’s incredible to see the support many companies give the contestants. Quite a lot of employers also go on a journey to identify top talent and encourage them to take part, because it looks quite daunting for outsiders.
Q: It looks incredibly stressful to go through the experience. Is Judge Dread really that scary?
A: Do remember that we have to pack a whole day of filming into 30 minutes, and the camera crew does have the ability to capture the moments critical for ‘good TV’. Is it not as scary as it looks, and you grow immensely during this week. If you believe you are strong enough, you are!
Q: I would love to chat to some of the previous contestants about the experience before I enter. Is it possible?
A: Absolutely yes! The previous contestants are super keen to engage, so please send us a mail and we’ll organise it for you.
TESTIMONIALS
I have all the ladies in the office addicted now as well. First topic of discussion when we come in on Fridays.
I’ve enjoyed my experience and have come to love this industry even more. I have a genuine desire to be better than the day before, and I have learnt some important lessons from the competition. Words cannot describe how much we all appreciate you, and what you've done for us and the industry.
Well done Rianet and team for this amazing initiative, putting a spotlight to our incredible industry.
Excellent production, well done to everyone who was involved in making this show possible.
This is the stuff that our industry needs to grow talent, create collaboration, and evolve the person. Kudos to each of you for bravely putting yourselves out there.
Gosh what an episode. I felt like falling to the ground and rolling off the planet every time I saw the look in Simon’s eyes. I even have my vote to go. Next episode PLEASE.
I hope you know how powerful this platform you created is. I just truly want to thank you for the life-changing opportunity it presents to us. You're amazing.
I very seldom pay compliments, but this is a compliment well earned. The idea presented, the cost effectiveness and most importantly its impact to redress socioeconomic issues has blown me away. Well done Rianet and the TIA team, great step toward sustainably and responsibly addressing industry issues that will only result in a meaningful impact to our country and her people.
Another exciting, excellent episode! Content is captivating!! Can't believe how much you can learn in a single episode!
This platform is amazing, there is nothing like this in the industry. Well done on a brilliant initiative. I believe in it so much and am committed to doing what I can to elevate it and push it forward.
The Insurance Apprentice opened up these doors of opportunity for me and I am forever grateful to you, you have impacted my life and career I’m so many ways.
Great platform to show that our industry is alive and well and attracts young talent who want to work in the insurance industry. Well done Rianet and The Insurance Apprentice team!
The FSCA wants to thank FAnews and Rianet for giving us the opportunity again this year. Rianet your commitment is admirable...not even a pandemic can stop you! So impressed.
This really has been a lifetime opportunity and experience and I am so much better for it. Thinking back to the very first encounter at the Johannesburg elimination rounds, meeting you properly and seeing your enthusiasm for the project was just inspiring. Thank you for spearheading a project that gives the young folk in the industry a chance like this that exists nowhere else.
Where do I begin? I'm still floating on a serious cloud and this hasn't sunk in yet. I am blown away by the honour and the privilege, and I want to reiterate my commitment to doing my absolute best to represent the industry and the young people in it. I am so thankful for the chance to do that. What an exciting time, I can tell this is the beginning of something amazing and without you it wouldn't be a reality.
The journey has been amazing, surrounded by inspiring professionals, industry expert judges and challenges that make you question the way you view the insurance industry and its role in society. Thank you to all my supporters, everyone who engaged with me in passing, by messages, emails and phone calls to converse about my learnings and experience. I cannot express the gratitude to have been given the platform to put myself out there, I have learnt and in such a short space of time, grown so much. Apart from winning, learning and growing has been the most important thing to me. To all young industry professionals, I urge you to put yourself out there, apply to be a part of the @theinsapp, you walk away at any stage of the competition, as a winner. Be bold, be fierce, be you.
I just want to take a moment to appreciate you. I know you always say it’s the people or rather the talent that is great but it’s your platform that allows us to be great and gives us a glimmer of hope for the future. I’m not going to be all emotional and sloppy, but The Apprentice has changed my life in leaps and bounds. I was timid, not assertive and at times afraid that I may never get my shot at this. You still walked my journey with me concluding the apprentice. My involvement post apprentice allowed me to work on my areas of improvement and opened many doors for me. Thank you Rianet, just looking back ever since I entered The Apprentice, I have been able to build on my personal brand and gained a solid footing in the industry. Don’t underestimate the value you have in our lives, you impact it immensely and I just want to take a moment to thank you.
The Insurance Apprentice made 2020 for me, it was the best experience and I made the greatest of friendships. I am so proud of myself and how far I went in the competition. Every stage in this competition and its challenges and the criticism will certainly be taken positively. Thank you for this platform and growth opportunity. This journey was and still is amazing.
Rianet your passion shines through even brighter, year in and year out. Cannot wait to see what you have in store for us in the next season. You guys ROCK!!!
Ryan not only was your production world class but your ability to bring suspense...and thus entertainment value made a real difference. Great work!
WOW! Great episode. Interesting topic. Thanks for sharing.