Insurance broker welcomes its youngest ever apprentice to the team

A LEADING independent insurance broker has signalled its investment in the future by appointing its youngest ever apprentice.

Victoria Twentyman, 16, has joined H&H Insurance Brokers, which operates across the North of England, the Scottish Borders and Wales, as an apprentice admin assistant based at the firm’s Carlisle office.

Victoria, who lives near Penrith, is one of two new starters at the insurance company along with Tom McGaffin, 25, who has joined the firm as an apprentice claims handler, also based at Carlisle.

They will both receive on-the-job training and study towards professional qualifications as part of their apprenticeships.

Paul Graham, Managing Director of H&H Insurance Brokers, said the firm was committed to investing in young people as part of its growth plans for the future.

He said: “It’s never been more important to invest in the future and provide opportunities for young people to pursue a rewarding career path.

“Apprenticeships within the financial services industry are an excellent route into the sector, providing development and training which lead to professional qualifications.

“We are delighted to welcome Victoria and Tom to the team.”

Victoria left Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith after sitting her GCSEs this year and is now studying business administration at Carlisle College as part of her apprenticeship.

Joining H&H Insurance Brokers, which specialises in rural and agricultural insurance, was a natural step for Victoria, who regularly helps out on her father, Keith, on his farm at Ireby, and her uncle Thomas Burne, who farms at Great Strickland, near Penrith.

Victoria, who is from Great Strickland, has her own flock of Texel sheep at her uncle’s farm.

She said: “I knew I wanted to follow a vocational career path rather than stay in full-time education, and it was important to me that it was related to agriculture and farming, so this job is perfect for me.”

Tom, who lives at Brampton, near Carlisle, has joined H&H Insurance Brokers after spending seven years working in retail. A music and drama graduate, he decided to pursue a career which would make the most of his people skills. As an apprentice claims handler, Tom works directly with clients who need to make a claim on their insurance. He is studying towards a professional insurance qualification through the Chartered Insurance Institute.

He said: “I enjoyed the interaction with customers in retail, and my new role involves the same skills of building a rapport with people and ensuring they get the best possible service.”

Outside of work, Tom is a singer-songwriter who plays several instruments including the piano, guitar and drums.