‘Careers day aims to attract fresh blood’

The event, held on 23 April in Manchester, welcomed finance, business and entrepreneur students from schools and colleges in northwest England. Representatives from Career Academies UK, a national movement of employers and more than 150 educational institutions, also attended.

Ian Nichol, regional manager for Career Academies, said: “Through the partnership with the CII, this event provided essential information for students from across the region before they make important choices about their futures.”

Caspar Bartington, relationship manager for the CII, said: “Despite challenging economic conditions, the insurance and financial planning sectors remain stable and are making real steps towards becoming established professions. As a result we’re seeing a growing interest in insurance and financial services.

“Careers workshops like ours are important in giving young people insight into the sector and developing important skills such as teamwork, influence, negotiation and communication. The practitioners on hand have entered the profession at different stages of education, from school leavers to university graduates, so they were able to advise on the different routes and career options available.”

Lisa Winnard, director of human resources and development for Sesame Bankhall Group, said: “It’s a great initiative and something we support wholeheartedly. We have held a variety of careers days to attract the next generation, and these types of events are a great way of promoting jobs within the industry.”