From novice to the board: Inspiring apprenticeship journeys at Yutree

This week is National Apprenticeship Week. At Yutree, we are passionate about bringing talent into our profession from all walks of life. Whilst graduates are welcomed into the broking and underwriting professions, they do not exclusively hold the keys to rewarding and successful careers.

Yutree have made our apprenticeships open to all ages and backgrounds, with tremendous success.

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, our current and past apprentices share their insights into their apprenticeship journeys. Also, read on to find out about our latest board appointment, who started her career with an apprenticeship. 

Tracy was Yutree’s very first apprentice. She joined the team in March 2020 as a Trainee Underwriter and completed her apprenticeship in December 2021.

What motivated you to pursue an apprenticeship?

Initially I thought you had to be younger to be an apprentice but as soon as I found out I wasn’t too old I jumped at the chance to apply. I had always had jobs where the future prospects were very limited and I decided I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone towards a career where I could constantly move forward and not face a dead end like I had with previous jobs.

What was the most challenging part of your apprenticeship?

I started my apprenticeship two weeks before the initial Covid 19 lockdown. I had never worked in insurance before and it was hard to get to grips with this new profession whilst working from home. Luckily I had supportive colleagues who were always on the end of a phone or Teams call and happy to help with any questions I had.

What was the most rewarding aspect?

I think the most rewarding part continuously happens, and it happens when I realise I am following a discussion about a complex policy and I understand it. I remember when it all sounded like a foreign language so when I do understand situations being discussed it still makes me proud of how far I’ve come.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

Do it! It’s the best way to learn about an industry. If they had been around when I was younger I definitely would have started one then. Instead I went to university which I am still paying for. If I had started an apprenticeship I would have gained a qualification and earned a salary instead of gaining a student loan!

Jenna joined Yutree in January 2021 as a Broking Assistant and successfully completed her apprenticeship in March 2023.

What motivated you to pursue an apprenticeship?

To be able to begin a new career in my 30s as a full time parent and a new challenge was an offer I could not turn down. Not many people get the opportunity to retrain.

What was the most challenging part of your apprenticeship?

For me the most challenging part was reteaching myself to study and how to get the best out of it. It had been a long time since I studied or revised for anything, but knowing the rewards was a large encouragement.

What was the most rewarding aspect?

The most rewarding for me was seeing my confidence grow with every exam passed and every case study written. You learn to believe in your own abilities again.

What skills for life did you learn?

I learned that if you want something bad enough you will work hard for it. This is something that I have passed to my children. Doing an apprenticeship as a parent is not easy but self-belief and determination is a great start.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

Embrace it and make the most of an incredible opportunity. An apprenticeship is an amazing step into a career with an insight into what your future could hold. Jump right in and work hard.

Danny is one of our current apprentices and joined us in August 2023 as an Underwriting Apprentice.

What motivated you to pursue an apprenticeship?

I knew that I didn’t want to go to university and thought that an apprenticeship was a good way to get onto the employment ladder as you are still learning but are also earning a wage whilst doing so.

What has been the most challenging part of your apprenticeship so far?

Keeping on top of logging the Off-The-Job study time.

What has been the most rewarding aspect so far?

In my opinion, the most rewarding aspect of this apprenticeship so far is having a very supportive team around me as it can really help to grow in the role.

What skills for life are you learning?

The main two skills that I have gained since starting this apprenticeship are communication and teamwork, as communication was one of my weaknesses coming into this role.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

Definitely give it a look, as there are many many positives.

Mia joined us as a Broking Apprentice in August 2023.

What motivated you to pursue an apprenticeship?

I chose to pursue an apprenticeship as I always wanted to kickstart my career as early as I could. Apprenticeships are a great way to learn as well as be hands on in the job, providing lots of experiences whilst working to gain a qualification.  

 What has been the most challenging part of your apprenticeship so far?

The most challenging part of my apprenticeship has been the switch between the apprenticeship companies, however now that everything is settled I am feeling much more at ease.

What has been the most rewarding aspect so far?

The most rewarding aspect of my apprenticeship has been seeing my own progress and how my skills are developing to become a real asset to the team.

 What skills for life are you learning?

I am learning lots of skills completing this apprenticeship, my communication skills are improving everyday as well becoming more confident in myself and my abilities.

 What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

I would tell someone considering an apprenticeship to ensure that they are prepared to put in lots of hard work for a very rewarding career at the end of it.

Becky joined the Yutree board in 2023 as Finance Director. She started her career as an apprentice.

What motivated you to pursue an apprenticeship?

I wanted to continue my formal education, but I wanted to get into the workplace and start learning some other skills as well as working my way up the career ladder.  The AAT apprenticeship gave me the perfect opportunity to earn and learn at the same time.

What was the most challenging part of your apprenticeship so far?

I started my apprenticeship qualification at night school, so it was difficult to work full time and study in the evenings.

What was the most rewarding aspect?

It’s really satisfying when something you learn helps at work and vice versa.  Apprenticeships are designed to give you great skills for the workplace, so when the two elements start slotting together, it’s great to get that career boost.

What skills for life did you learn?

There are lots of “soft skills” involved in an apprenticeship.  For example, how to communicate effectively, write essay style answers and manage your time.  These are all very important in the workplace.

What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

Go for it!  You don’t need a degree to continue your education.

There are lots of employers who want to hire an apprentice, and naturally they will be invested in ensuring you develop in your career.

I would suggest going to apprenticeships.gov.uk to see what courses are available and who is hiring.

Yutree are now looking for a Claims Apprentice – Closing date 1st March 2024.

Click here to apply