Level 4 Insurance Professional Apprenticeship Employer: WTW

Starting a Career in Insurance

At 30, Dave Hamer was ready for a career change. With a background in retail management, education, and a maths degree, he was seeking a long-term professional career but struggled to secure an initial opportunity.

Dave went on to accept a Level 4 Insurance Professional Apprenticeship with WTW, a leading global insurance broker, and never looked back.

"You don’t typically consider an apprenticeship at 30 - but it completely changed my career. It allowed me to bring my existing skills and learn a new industry at the same time." - Dave Hamer, Manager Latin America and Caribbean Property.

The apprenticeship gave Dave the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while studying towards recognised CII (Chartered Insurance Institute) qualifications, helping him build both technical knowledge and industry confidence.

What Does an Insurance Professional Do?

Today, Dave works in Latin America and Caribbean Property, managing complex, high-value insurance programmes for global clients.

His role involves:

• Supporting clients to insure large-scale assets, including hotels, transport infrastructure and entire islands
• Structuring layered insurance programmes across multiple insurers
• Managing portfolios worth millions of pounds in premium
• Collaborating with international teams across London, the US and Latin America

“Some of the programmes we manage cover entire islands with multiple hotels. These are multi-million-pound projects - complex but really rewarding.” - Dave Hamer

Progression Through and Insurance Apprenticeship?

Since starting his insurance apprenticeship in 2019, Dave has progressed rapidly within WTW:

• Joined the business through a Level 4 Insurance Professional apprenticeship
• Developed expertise in UK real estate insurance
• Progressed into a team leadership role within financial institutions
• Transitioned into a senior international position
• Achieved multiple grade promotions in just a few years

“When two people have similar experience, a recognised professional qualification helps you stand out.” - Dave Hamer

How the Apprenticeship Supported Career Growth

With no prior experience in insurance, the apprenticeship was key to Dave’s development.

By combining on-the-job learning with professional study, he was able to:

• Understand industry regulations and compliance (“the why behind the job”)
• Develop technical knowledge through CII exams
• Build confidence working with complex global clients
• Accelerate his progression within the business

“Without the apprenticeship, I wouldn’t have the knowledge I rely on today. It helped me understand not just what we do, but why we do it.” - Dave Hamer

Support from WTW and The Growth Company

Dave benefited from strong support throughout his apprenticeship.

At WTW:

• Dedicated weekly time for off-the-job training
• Encouragement to complete professional qualifications
• Recognition of previous experience and valued transferable skills

From the Growth Company:

• Tailored support for adult learners and career changers
• Flexible delivery to suit individual needs
• Ongoing guidance throughout the programme

“It never felt like a one-size-fits-all apprenticeship. The Growth Company adapted it to me, it felt tailored to me rather than a standard pathway.” - Dave Hamer

Apprenticeships for Career Changes

Dave is now a strong advocate for insurance apprenticeships as a route into the industry, particularly for those looking to change careers.

“If you want to change career, an apprenticeship is the fastest way to do it. You’re earning, learning, and building experience at the same time.” - Dave Hamer

He highlights that apprenticeships:

• Are suitable for all ages - not just school leavers
• Provide a direct route into professional industries
• Combine salary, experience and qualifications
• Fast-track long-term career progression

Giving Back: Supporting Future Apprentices

Now a manager, Dave supports apprentices within his own team, using his experience to guide their development.

He:

• Ensures study time is protected
• Mentors apprentices through exams and workload pressures
• Encourages resilience and long-term career focus

“I’ve been through it myself, so I understand the challenges. That helps me support my team properly.” - Dave Hamer

Looking Ahead

Alongside his role at WTW, Dave is actively involved with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) at a regional level. He currently serves as Council Secretary and is set to progress to Deputy President and President.

He also plans to continue his professional development towards Chartered (ACII) status, further demonstrating his commitment to the industry.

Advice for Future Apprentices

"Know your limits, use the support around you, and stick with it. It gets challenging, but the more you put in, the more you get out."

"Change your career, change your attitude, find your life."

Key Takeaways

• Insurance apprenticeships provide a direct route into the industry, even without prior experience
• They are ideal for career changers as well as school leavers
• Combining work and study can lead to faster progression and stronger career outcomes
• Professional qualifications, such as CII, help individuals stand out
• Employer and training provider support are critical to success
• Dave’s story highlights how apprenticeships can unlock long-term careers, providing both immediate opportunity and sustained professional growth.