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. Whether you’re the WINNER, in the TOP 6, or 10, there are prizes, cash and plenty to be won!

Q: What is the criteria to enter?
A: If you are an insurance professional – 35 or under the age of 35 by the time of filming (at end of January) and you have four or more years’ experience in any part of the insurance or financial services industry, with at least some exposure to short-term insurance  – be it at a brokerage, insurer, underwriting manager, loss adjuster, administrator, marketing, legal or any other part, you are eligible to enter.

Q: What happens after entries close?
A: A select number of panelists carefully analyze the applicants and applications and identify and select the contestants who will take part in the elimination rounds. After the elimination rounds in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg, the Top 20 contestants from the three regions will then go through to an elimination round where they will fight it out for their spot in the Top 10.

Q: If I make it into the Top 10, what happens next?
A: If you make it into the Top 10 you will have to take a week off from your company. Filming takes places over the course of a week, usually mid to end January. 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: Your company does not have to be involved but the contestants’ company names are placed under their names during the airing of the episode and it will most certainly not be ideal if your company does not approve this. We will need to understand the reason for this, but you will be allowed.

Q: What if I entered the competition the previous year, but only made it to the elimination round?
A: The rules are as follows: if you have been in the Top 10 you cannot take part again. We have amended the rules for the two years we had to do TIA in the virtual world, whereas only the Top three could not enter again, but the other seven could enter.

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 LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. We also send out a newsletter, so make sure you sign up.

Q: How much time will I have to take off work?
A: One day for the regional elimination round. If you make it through to the Top 20 round, you will have to take off another day. If you make it through to the Top 10, it will be one week out of the office in January.

Q: How can companies support their employees if they are going on this amazing journey?
A: Another great way to encourage and support possible contestants is to involve previous contestants to share their journey. Forget about the companies these past contestants represent because at the end of the day its about the support you give your employee. Let them engage and let them know that you are 100% backing them throughout the journey.

Q: It looks incredibly stressful to go through the experience. Are Judge Dread and Cruella Deville 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! The learnings and mentoring is much bigger than the perceived scariness.

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.

Q: I am turning 36 in February – a month after filming. Can I enter?
A: Yes you can. The rule states that you have to be 35 or younger by the time of filming.