Specialist Risk Group has launched a training program to bring professionals into broking from consulting, legal, audit and accounting backgrounds.

The 12-week Accelerated Broking Program includes formal study through the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance, along with practical experience and mentoring.

SRG Australia MD Laurence Basell says the market is shifting and clients increasingly want someone who understands their business commercially, not just their policy wording.

“That raises the bar on the skills a broker needs, which is exactly why bringing in new talent from different backgrounds is so critical,” he said.

“People from consulting, legal, audit and accounting already think that way, and this program gives them the technical grounding to apply it in broking.”

London-based SRG – which opened in Australia earlier this year – says the program aims to widen the entry point into broking, targeting candidates with one to four years’ professional services experience, and no insurance expertise required.

The first eight weeks involve studying towards the ANZIIF Tier 1 qualification alongside induction, systems training and broker shadowing.

Participants move onto live client work from week nine, drafting communications, preparing pitches and shaping renewal strategy under a mentor. The program concludes with a case study presented to SRG leadership and a formal transition into a broking role.

SRG launched in the UK in 2000 and has offices in Europe, Singapore and Australia. Its website says it places more than £2 billion ($3.8 billion) of premium into the global insurance market.

The company says its program participants will gain exposure to global carriers, complex risk placement and a breadth of specialist expertise rarely available at such an early stage in a broking career.

ANZIIF national engagement manager Mark Ryan has welcomed SRG’s investment in talent and career growth.

“By embedding ANZIIF qualifications into the accelerated broking program, SRG is building technical capability, confidence and recognised professional standards,” he said. “This strongly aligns with ANZIIF’s commitment to lifelong learning and attracting talent to the industry.”

Recent National Insurance Brokers Association research shows 11% of brokers are aged 18-29, the same share as those aged 60 and over, while the median age is 44.

The SRG program is open in Melbourne and Sydney. Candidates should send a CV and cover letter to iona.paterson@au.specialistrisk.com.