A 12-month pilot designed to strengthen links between students and the thriving insurance profession has been launched by Birmingham City University’s (BCU) Business School and the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

The initiative aims to give BCU students an insight into the breadth of opportunities available within the insurance sector - one of the UK’s most dynamic and globally connected professions. It will also address growing concerns about widening workforce pressures in the industry. A 2024 report by CII found that “only 4% of young people consider a career in the insurance industry to be appealing”, while a 2025 survey of 250 UK brokers found that 56% of brokers were “concerned about a potential talent crisis” in the industry.

Sam Roberts, Head of Department of Accountancy, Finance and Economics at BCU, said: “We are incredibly excited to embark on this new partnership with the Chartered Insurance Institute.

“By bringing industry experts directly into the learning experience, we are giving our students unparalleled insight into a sector that offers a wide range of rewarding career paths. This collaboration will not only enhance our curriculum and strengthen the employability of our graduates but also deepen our relationships with local and national employers.” The CII’s Director of Strategy, Advocacy and Professional Standards, Adam Harper, said: “Attracting, developing and retaining diverse talent is increasingly becoming a priority for the insurance sector.

“This pilot is about turning that ambition into practical action - demystifying the sector for students, showcasing the wide range of specialist and client-facing roles available, and creating clear pathways into employment, apprenticeships and professional qualifications.” With valuable support from BCU’s Public and Community Engagement Team, the programme will bring a diverse range of experts from across the insurance profession into the University’s Business School to highlight career pathways available locally, nationally and internationally. BCU and the CII will also work together on curriculum development, with an ambition to embed a relevant insurance qualification within future course offerings.

Activities planned as part of the pilot include:

  • Guest lectures from insurance professionals
  • Mentoring by local experts, CII Institute members and BCU alumni
  • Employability support sessions
  • Networking events with insurance businesses, organisations and trade bodies
  • Live briefs from the industry on current developments
  • On-site workshops and support for assessment centre activities
  • Participation in and development of Careers Fairs
  • Work experience placements with local insurance firms
  • Connections to local employment opportunities, including advanced apprenticeships and graduate schemes
  • Educational visits to insurance organisations, including Lloyd’s of London


Leading the project for the CII is former insurance broker and Member of Parliament Craig Tracey, who says it is a critical time for the profession in light of widening workforce pressures.

“During my time in Parliament, it was a recurring theme across the sector, so it is great that the CII have taken the issue by the scruff of the neck,” said Tracey.

“BCU is a perfect partner for us to be working with, and it’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm which they have embraced the opportunity. Stronger early careers pathways with closer educational and sector collaborations are now essential, which is exactly what this partnership is designed to deliver.”

Raaj Shamji, Associate Director of Public and Community Engagement at BCU, said: “Our role is to open doors for students and bring industry much closer to our classrooms.

“This collaboration is another example of how BCU connects local employers, national partners and our diverse student community to create pathways that genuinely change lives. It also supports Strategy 2030’s ambition to power prosperity through meaningful partnerships.”