Markel International Apprenticeship Programme – UK Division in Manchester

Meet Markel: Welcome to Markel where we take great pride in what we do. To us, insurance isn’t just a policy - it’s a vital promise that gives people and businesses the confidence to move forward, each and every day. Here, you’ll find exceptional people, without the ego. People who’ll bring out your best, and support you at every step, because it’s who we are and the secret to our success. We are a leading global speciality insurer with a truly people first approach. With over 5,000 employees across the globe, finding creative solutions for complex risks is our passion. Our international business is made up of two core divisions: Wholesale and National Markets, through these we offer innovative products and services. We pride ourselves on having accessible leadership, an inclusive culture and a focus on empowerment- we call this The Markel Style.

This is brought to life through our employee‑led networks via ‘People with Style’, which are centred around inclusion, community, wellbeing and recognition. Our UK market seamlessly integrates insurance for SMEs with tax and legal services. Supporting over 1 million customers in the UK, Markel has a strong focus on sector propositions, such as Construction, Charities & Social Care and Technology. Cyber liability, management risks insurance and legal expenses cover are offered as both stand‑alone and integrated products.

The division is a diverse team of around 500 exceptionally talented and collaborative individuals and an exciting opportunity has arisen to join the UK division as an apprentice. Our UK Apprentice Programme is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to build a successful career in insurance. As an apprentice within the UK division on the programme, you will be aligned to one of three core teams: Direct, Claims, or Broker. While working in your primary team, you’ll gain a deep understanding of our business and have the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the other UK business areas to broaden your experience. Markel will support you every step of the way as you develop your career beyond the programme.

Throughout the structured training programme, you will be supported by skilled peers who all have extensive knowledge and experience in their field. Markel’s supportive management style and training will make you a well‑rounded claims professional, significantly enhancing your career development through the many progressive opportunities available.

As an apprentice within the UK programme, you will be assigned to either Claims, Broker or the Direct business area where you will be surrounded by friendly and collaborative teams who will support you in completing your apprenticeship (relevant to your role). You will be able to outline your preference if progressed to the next stage of the process.

• Broker (Leeds): The Markel Broker business is a core part of Markel’s UK insurance operations, specialising in providing a wide range of specialist commercial insurance products and services through broker partners. As an apprentice, you’ll benefit from structured rotations that expose you to different areas of the Broker business including underwriting (new business, renewals) & distribution, helping you build and develop a broad skillset and discover your strengths.
• Claims (Leeds): The UK Claims department aims to be the market leader in the provision of an efficient, cost effective, creative and professional service to our brokers and clients. We strive to be pro‑active and flexible in management of claims whilst maintaining our integrity.
• Direct (Manchester): The Direct division offers specialist insurance for small businesses, tradespeople, charities and community groups. We operate through two retail brands – Markel Direct and Caunce O’Hara – and have ambitious growth plans.

What you’ll be doing:

• Take part in structured training conducted by senior employees with an extensive amount of knowledge in the industry ultimately helping successful candidates learn the fundamentals of insurance.
• Shadow senior teams, learning best practices and advanced techniques.
• Provide administrative and data management support, ensuring accuracy and compliance across systems.
• Build technical expertise across multiple insurance processes.
• Actively participate in team meetings and contribute to departmental projects, supporting collaborative initiatives within your respective team and the wider business.
• Attend meetings with internal teams and external stakeholders, gaining exposure to industry relationships.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation, supporting regulatory and operational standards.
• Respond promptly to client, insured and third‑party requests, delivering excellent service.
• Assist with data reporting and research, supporting strategic decision‑making.
• Opportunity to help to coordinate and attend external market leading events, developing networking and relationship‑building skills.
• Attend regular check‑ins to review performance so that you have every opportunity to progress and gain more autonomy within your role.
• Complete an apprenticeship relevant to your role.

What’s in it for you?

• You’ll get support every step of the way – we know that starting out in a new role and industry can be daunting but Markel’s ego‑free environment gives you all the support that you need to go further and achieve great things.
• Your development doesn’t just stop after your programme. Markel are committed to you and your long‑term career – there are countless opportunities to learn new skills and develop in your career and we can provide the support needed to do just that!
• A genuine culture of camaraderie - at Markel, our shared values aren’t buzzwords. We really mean what we say in the Markel Style, and walk the talk, every day.
• Be part of our growing early careers community – through 1:1 buddy support, socials and other events you will have every opportunity to network and build great relationships with your peers both inside and outside of Markel.
• Competitive starting salary with an excellent package - including; private medical insurance, financial education, hybrid work structure, gym discounts, cycle‑to‑work scheme, motor breakdown cover, income protection and additional countless benefits that will be shared at the first stage of the process!

Our must‑haves:

• A collaborative individual who loves building relationships and brings out the best in others.
• Recognise the vital role our work plays in the world and are passionate about playing their part, in any way they can.
• Are always looking for ways to innovate and improve what we do.
• Are proactive and committed to making a meaningful difference every day.
• Have achieved, or are predicted, 3 A‑levels grade C or above or grades equivalent to 96 UCAS points.
• Achieved GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 or C or above (or equivalent qualification).

Are you ready to play your part? It only takes 30 seconds to register your interest in these roles, and we’ll support you throughout the full application process.