The Insurance Institute of Gauteng (IIG) has successfully concluded its 2024 Academic Programme, marking another milestone in its mission to nurture and develop future insurance leaders in South Africa. This year’s programme combined rigorous academic learning with industry engagement, offering participants a robust platform for personal and professional growth.
Exceptional Achievement: 94% Success Rate
A standout achievement for this year’s cohort is that 16 out of 17 learners completed the programme and achieved the full qualification, equating to an impressive 94% success rate. These results include remediation attempts, highlighting the perseverance and dedication of the learners. The overall attendance throughout the programme was strong, and facilitator feedback was overwhelmingly positive, commending the commitment and engagement of the participants.
The learners benefited from high levels of support, mentoring, and coaching from facilitators, which significantly contributed to their success. Regular feedback sessions allowed learners to voice their expectations and suggest areas for improvement, ensuring an open and collaborative learning environment.
High Engagement and Commitment
Throughout the programme, learners demonstrated great enthusiasm both in the classroom and the workplace. They actively participated in discussions, shared ideas for improvement, and consistently showed dedication to their studies and their professional roles. Despite one learner terminating from the programme, the remaining 16 learners completed their portfolios, which will undergo internal moderation followed by external SETA verifications. Upon completion of the verifications, certificates will be awarded to those who successfully completed the programme.
Employment Opportunities and Industry Engagement
The IIG Academic Programme continues to be a key stepping stone for career advancement. This year, eight participants secured employment with Old Mutual Insure (OMI), showcasing the immediate impact of the programme on learners’ careers. Furthermore, talks are ongoing with Old Mutual Insure’s Graduate Programme and Nedbank, providing additional opportunities for participants to launch successful careers in the insurance and financial services sectors.
Overcoming Challenges and Mitigating Risks
While the programme saw tremendous success, several risks were identified, including:
- The ability to work under pressure and complete assessments on time.
- Language proficiency challenges for some learners.
- Timely portfolio submissions.
These risks were managed effectively by providing learners with feedback and support, especially during the remediation period. A key lesson learned was that regular attendance at facilitation sessions significantly improves competency levels, reducing the need for remediation and enabling learners to achieve success on their first attempt.
Successes and Lessons Learned
Overall, the programme was highly successful. The attendance and competency levels were excellent, reflecting the dedication of both the learners and the facilitators. The importance of providing consistent support, mentoring, and timely feedback was reinforced as a critical success factor.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 IIG Academic Programme concludes, the participants are well-prepared to step into the next phase of their careers, armed with new skills, industry knowledge, and a network of connections. With ongoing discussions around further employment opportunities at Old Mutual Insure’s Graduate Programme and Nedbank, the future looks bright for this year’s graduates.
The programme’s success, with 16 of 17 learners deemed competent, highlights the importance of structured learning, industry engagement, and the ongoing support provided throughout the process. This year’s cohort stands as a testament to the IIG’s commitment to driving professional excellence and supporting the sustainable growth of the insurance industry.
Article written by Aaron Mrabalala | IIG Impact & Transformation
