Apprentice Victoria Twentyman Gets a Head Start in her Career

SIXTEEN year-old Victoria Twentyman is following her chosen career in the financial service industry thanks to an apprenticeship with H&H Insurance Brokers.

Victoria, who lives near Penrith, joined the independent insurance brokers last summer as an apprentice admin assistant based at its head office in Carlisle.

Since joining the firm, which operates across the North of England, the Scottish Borders and Wales, Victoria has quickly become an integral part of the team.
She is often the first point of contact for H&H Insurance Brokers’ clients, answering phone calls, responding to emails and greeting them at the reception desk. Over the months, her responsibilities have grown to include assisting the team of Account Handlers with mid-term adjustments and helping to complete renewal forms for clients.

As part of her apprenticeship, Victoria combines on-the-job experience with studying business administration at Carlisle College. She is due to sit her first assessment in July.

Victoria said: “I knew I wanted to follow a vocational route after leaving school, rather than stay in full-time education, and joining H&H Insurance Brokers as an apprentice admin assistant has allowed me to get on-the-job training while studying for professional qualifications at the same time.  I enjoy being part of the team, interacting with clients, and assisting with their accounts.”

Victoria, who is from Great Strickland, started her apprenticeship after leaving Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith following her GCSEs last year.

The role at H&H Insurance Brokers, which specialises in rural and agricultural insurance, was a perfect fit for Victoria, who regularly helps out her father, Keith, on his farm at Ireby, and her uncle Thomas Burne, who farms at Great Strickland. Victoria is also a member of Penrith Young Farmers’ Club.

Paul Graham, Managing Director of H&H Insurance Brokers, said offering opportunities to young people was an important part of the firm’s growth plans.

He said: “We want 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.  Victoria has been an excellent addition to the H&H Insurance Brokers team.”