National Apprenticeship Week takes place each year with the aim of highlighting the value that apprenticeships bring to both individuals at the start of their career and also to a business. The theme this year is ‘Skills for Life,’ which builds on the blend of learning a new role whilst also studying towards a relevant qualification and how these transferable skills will help you throughout your career. 

Apprentices have joined us across many functions, varying from Insurance focussed roles, to IT, to Compliance. We caught up with two of our current apprentices, Phoebe Keys and Sam Dewey and James Bailey who has managed a number of apprentices at Miller.

Keep an eye out on our website as roles will be available to apply to join us in September!

Phoebe Keys, Account Handler within Miller’s P&C team:

Q: What apprenticeship are you currently studying towards and what is your role at Miller?

A: I am currently completing the Financial Services Administrator Level 3 course which assists my role as an Account Handler at Miller.   

Q: What team are you in and who do you spend most of your time working with?

A: I work within the Japanese property team alongside Phil Robinson Moore, Paul Jenkins, Keiko Seta and Rebecca Hunter. 

Q: What does a typical week as an apprentice look like to you? 

A: In my team, we are still hybrid working with two/three days in the office. A typical week for me will consist of virtual team meetings with our clients, who are based in Japan, twice a week, face-to-face training with members of my team, production of slips and supporting documents, and on some occasions networking events set by the HR team at Miller which further help me with my CPD. 

In addition to this, I spend 6 hours each week completing off the job learning as part of my apprenticeship. This is tracked on their online service platform called Aptem which makes it really simple and is an effective way to track your hours and reflect on what you learn by completing each activity.

When applying for apprenticeships, my first observation was the fact you had to tackle your day to day job in addition to this 6 hours a week off the job which came across as very daunting. However, with the help received from my team at Miller and effective communication between my coach and manager it was made apparent from the very start that I had both responsibilities and as a team we were able to work through when I would be able to complete each task. As a result of this, my original thoughts were put at ease as it has been very manageable, and I am also able to use the off the job hours for revision for my upcoming exams too.  

Q: What does the support look like from your apprenticeship provider? Have you found you have all the support you need so far?

A: As an apprentice with Davies, you are all allocated a coach who is there to support you throughout your apprenticeship and will be there to answer questions and support with any learning or exam support. I couldn’t have been luckier with my coach, as she is very supportive and great at assisting me. In order to check how I am getting on my coach arranges a catch-up meeting once a month where we discuss any concerns and what I should prepare for when tasks are coming up. 

Q: What has been your favourite part of the apprenticeship so far? 

A: So far, only 5 months in, I have been involved in and given so many opportunities by my team and many other staff members at Miller which has allowed me to network and meet new people who I have been able to speak with regarding their pathway into insurance, receiving valuable advice and expanding my network. My favourite part about the apprenticeship so far would definitely be the involvement of workshops and events which have allowed me to meet new people and those in a similar situation to me. Another highlight has been my team taking me into Lloyds of London for me to get a broader face-to-face understanding of the process of placing a risk, allowing me to connect with new people and learn from the conversations about each placement.   

Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to join Miller on an apprenticeship?

A: For someone with little direct experience looking to seek a job in the insurance industry I personally recommend joining the apprenticeship programme. Additionally, for anyone who doesn’t want to go to university, or who is unsure on what to do after university or college, apprenticeships are a brilliant way to gain valuable work experience, open up to new opportunities and meet new people, whilst being paid a salary!

The support I received from Miller was second to none and I couldn’t be happier with the team I work in, the apprenticeship provider and coach and all the opportunities I have already been involved in. Already I have met some great people, and can’t wait to continue learning and being a part of my team.    

Sam Dewey, Compliance Assistant:

Q: What apprenticeship are you currently studying towards and what is your role at Miller?

A: I am currently on a Compliance and Risk Officer apprenticeship programme studying towards the CII level 3 Certificate. My primary responsibility in compliance is to assist with all regulatory matters. This involves completing due diligence questionnaires, assisting in the renewal of licences that allow Miller to continue conducting business globally, keeping a conflicts of interest register and assisting in various projects such as changing e-learning provider as well as FCA requirements such as Product Governance and Consumer Duty.

Q: What team are you in and who do you spend most of your time working with?

A: Compliance is made up of three teams: Financial Crime, Monitoring and Regulation. I work within Regulation. As my role is non-client facing, I spend most of my time working with colleagues within Compliance but I have also worked alongside HR, Group Operations and Legal.

Q: What does a typical week as an apprentice look like to you? 

A: Due to the hybrid working style, I work both in the office and from home which is ideal for me. I get to see colleagues, meet new people and attend events and workshops whilst saving time on having to travel every day. The number of days I go into the office vary but I usually go in once a week. My week will begin by having a team meeting with everyone in compliance just to discuss the week ahead and what peoples main focus will be. I then set out a plan of what tasks I need to complete as a priority for various projects. As I’m doing an apprenticeship, I set aside one day during the week to focus on completing apprenticeship modules and workshops. This day changes every week depending on the volume of work-related tasks I need to be involved in. Also, at some point during the week I have a catch up with my line manager to review my progress and if there are any issues or queries. Then at the end of every week I check for any conflicts of interests that have been declared and update the register accordingly.

Q: What does the support look like from your apprenticeship provider? Have you found you have all the support you need so far?

A: As an apprentice, I joined with little knowledge of the financial services sector and what the compliance function really involves but I receive a lot of support from Davies. My mentor organises a meeting every couple of weeks to check in on my progress for both role related tasks and with the apprenticeship side of things. The assignments I complete with Davies help me learn more about compliance and the financial services sector. Plus, they host revision sessions and provide me with useful resources for the exams that I need to sit.

Q: What has been your favourite part of the apprenticeship so far? 

A: My favourite part of the apprenticeship so far has been the opportunity to get involved with projects hands on as that’s how I learn best. The events that Miller hold have been enjoyable too as I have met other people who have done an apprenticeship or are in a similar position that I’m in. It’s a good way to discuss our experiences.

Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to join Miller on an apprenticeship?

A: My advice would be once you have joined Miller is to get involved in as many activities, workshops and events that Miller offer as you can because you will learn valuable skills that will aid you in your progression.

James Bailey, Systems Training Manager. 

Q: What apprenticeship route have apprentices in your team followed? 

A: Apprentices followed a level 3 IT Support Technician apprenticeship. It required 20% of their available time which was easy to pre-plan for as we were provided all course dates and submission deadlines in advance. By the end of the apprenticeship, we had a highly qualified AND experienced member of the team. The ability to train while working in the industry was invaluable as it allowed them to apply all they learned to Miller right away. 

Q: What roles have they progressed into now they have completed their apprenticeships?

A: Roles vary from Business Analysts, End User Computing Specialist and Senior Support Analysts. The apprenticeship has helped build a springboard onto fantastic opportunities within other areas in Miller’s IT department.

Q: What would you say are the benefits of having an apprentice in the team?

A: Fresh perspective. We often get stuck into a certain way of doing things, having someone unfamiliar with those processes provides an opportunity to see these through a different lens. So many improvements were born from a desire to simplify the way we worked, often instigated by suggestions from apprentices learning, ultimately leading to a far more efficient team.

Q: What advice would you give to other managers thinking of taking on an apprentice in their team? 

A: It’s worth it. The diverse thinking and skillset you get compared to just hiring another member of the team who is a “good fit” and keep things the way they are makes for a far more diverse thinking, efficient and skilled team.