An Interview With Junior Broker Apprentice Charlie Norton
Since the launch of their apprenticeship scheme earlier this year, Lonmar has already recruited three apprentice. We interviewed Junior Broker Charlie Norton to find out how he is finding his introduction to Lonmar and the London Insurance Market.
What were you doing before starting with Lonmar?
After school I went to Oxford Brookes University to study Medical Science. Despite almost three disrupted years due to covid, I loved my course and decided to write my dissertation on research I was conducting into concussion in rugby, a sport I’m very passionate about. I graduated with a 2.1 but I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do.
I’m a country boy at heart, so I decided to start my own small company selling country pursuit equipment. I also did some farming and worked in hospitality, but I have always wanted to get myself up into the city. It’s a completely different world but one I am really enjoying.
How did you find out about the Lonmar Apprenticeship Scheme?
Through word of mouth I became aware there was a Junior Broker role at Lonmar within the Property team. They explained they were looking to offer the role as an Apprenticeship so I would be trained and receive qualifications, as well as on the job experience. This sounded perfect because I knew nothing at all about insurance.
How does the apprenticeship experience fit with your work schedule?
The Cert CII consists of a 2-hour weekly sessions run by a professional trainer who runs through the course material. Alongside my colleague, Charlie Wisdom who had joined slightly before me, we typically completed one chapter per week which over time we will cover the modules needed to gain the knowledge to profess to the Cert CII exam. In addition to the course, we are expected to complete a mini quiz each week on what we learnt in the lesson as well as logging off-the-job hours to gain a portfolio of extra experience. We also have access to other material through the CII website which has so much to offer in terms of revision, facts and figures, information all sorts!
What skills and strengths have you found important in your role?
I consider myself to be personable which I think really suits being a broker. I feel that people can approach me quite easily and I can do the same too. I think also being an incredibly keen sportsman that I’m a team player and I will ask for and offer help as and when needed, these traits both go nicely hand in hand and complement each other well. I am eager to learn also which I think has been a great strength especially coming into an industry I initially knew very little about, but I am learning new things every day.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
I have a great team around me and I really hope I will continue to learn more from them as well as successfully building wide reaching underwriter and market relationships to become a fully-fledged Broker one day. I hope to have the opportunity to travel also.
Lonmar have more roles advertised, so if you know anyone who may be interested in starting a career in insurance broking in the London Market please get in touch with Karen Allen on Karen.Allen@lonmar.com.