A CITY insurance company has created 10 new jobs through a new skills academy.

SJL Insurance Services has launched the SJL Academy, which will see 10 new employees with no previous experience in insurance through a training programme at the start of their new jobs.

The group of 10 started with SJL in September and trainees are currently going through a three-week intensive classroom-based training programme at the company's Worcester headquarters.

Seven women and three men are taking part from a range of backgrounds including teaching, social media and marketing.

External trainers are coming in to show them the ropes and give them a headstart in their new careers.

The SJL Academy is a fast-track training programme, so typically the delegates will be further along in their career and, for this group, about half of the intake are graduates who have work experience. 

Simon Lancaster, owner and CEO of SJL Insurance Services said: "Employment trends are changing dramatically, and recruiting and retaining staff is more challenging than ever, with homeworking and the cost of living crisis all playing their part.

"I have always placed huge importance on the development, progression, retention and happiness of our staff.

"I am excited that we have launched our own training academy to train and fast-track new staff with no insurance experience.

"This will help meet the challenges of this new era and further diversify and increase the skills our company holds as a whole as well as helping fuel our ambitious growth plans."

Recently, SJL donated £25,000 to Acorns Children's Hospice after its charity ball in early 2022.

The SJL Foundation raised the amount via the sale of tickets, sponsorship deals and fund-raising raffles, auctions and games on the night among our 220 guests at the Bank House Hotel, Spa and Golf Club.

The SJL Foundation has four trustees who are all based in Worcester and was set up by business insurance entrepreneur Simon Lancaster, who went to Bishop Perowne High School and lives locally.

Mr Lancaster's father and mother were both born and lived in Worcestershire too.