Insurers Need to Improve Training to Achieve Transformation

September 9 - According to Adam Samie, CEO of Lion of Africa Insurance, insurance providers need to examine their in-house insurance training programmes if they hope to achieve transformation goals and support long-term skill development in South Africa.

"Many local businesses currently bemoan the standard of education and graduates entering the workplace, but do very little to improve skills internally. Companies should take a lot more responsibility by developing and running insurance in-house training and education programmes in conjunction with Sector Education and Training Authorities, at both matriculant and graduate levels."

He continued, "These programmes are then tailored to ensure that staff members are able to meet and exceed the requirements necessary to function in the modern short-term insurance environment."

Leading Insurer Offers In-House Training

Lion of Africa Insurance was the first insurer in the county to be awarded a Level 1 B – BBEE status. It currently runs insurance in-house training programmes that offer a theoretical component with The Worker's Academy of Insurance, and practical training. The aim of this programme is to provide participants with a structured learning environment that is hands on and based in the workplace.

"Approximately 15 percent of our workforce is currently made up of programme learners and graduates," Samie said.

According to Samie, it is necessary for the Insurance Institute of South Africa to be more involved and ensure that industry players are made aware of the key transformation targets and current programmes.

He singled out the UK as an example where the Chartered Insurance Institute is proactive and formed a professional standards authority that would require all employees to meet minimum standards of functionality within the sector.

"Currently training programmes are also too rigidly in line with South Africa Qualifications Authority standards and the result has been too few candidates with the required knowledge to perform to internationally accepted service standards."