Essex firms are among those taking part in a ground-breaking scheme, as the insurance industry embarks on its first sector-wide apprenticeships programme.

The scheme aims to help achieve the Government’s ambition to double the number of apprentices in the insurance sector.

A launch event was staged by Chelmsford based Aon UK, which will be among the companies taking on the first wave of insurance apprentices for training.

The event was attended by Matthew Hancock MP, minister for skills and enterprise, and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton.

Once an apprentice himself, Sir Bobby is championing the Government’s bid to drive up the number of apprenticeships available to young people.

ABI director general Otto Thoresen said: “The UK’s insurance industry’s worldwide reputation is built on the skills and expertise of its workforce.

“Bringing in new talent is essential and this new apprenticeship initiative will help encourage young people to join the industry and ensure it continues to play a key role in the fabric of people’s everyday lives.

“This working group will continue to shape the industry’s response to the Government’s ambition to double the number of apprenticeship places.”

The scheme, a response to the Government’s Insurance Growth Action Plan, brings together the Chartered Insurance Institute, the Association of British Insurer and the British Insurance Brokers Association as well as partners from across the insurance and risk management industry