Mutual & Federal Encourage Insurance Staff Training

April 15 - Hannes Smith, the group manager of Human Capital Development at Mutual & Federal, said that in order to overcome severe skills shortages, the insurance industry needs to make a concerted commitment to train staff.

He also emphasized the importance of meeting Employment Equity targets in the insurance industry.

Mutual & Federal do their utmost to train their staff, both in theoretical and practical terms, so that they produce efficient and knowledgeable workers.

Staff are sent on a number of courses, which automatically qualify them for national qualification credits recognised by the insurance industry.

Mutual & Federal, which is a member of the Old Mutual Group, also developed the Mutual & Federal Foundational Certificate in Short Term Insurance which includes an important basis for insurance training, including an in-depth short term insurance skills programme.

Smith said that Mutual & Federal is proud of its relationship with the UNISA Centre for Business Management.

"The fact that our Foundational Certificate is recognised as a bridging programme to the IISA Programme in Short Term Insurance at NQF Level 5 adds a new dimension to promoting continuous learning," he said.

Smith said that success in the skills development pillar is extremely important, as training a new generation of workers is central to the Financial Sector Charter.

"Our development model is about long term commitment through proven mechanisms," he said. "A quick fix to suit scoring methodologies is not appropriate. Mutual & Federal does not outsource staff development, all training is customised to Mutual & Federal requirements with industry wide applicability to give learners on the job competence, marketable skills and strong CVs."