When the opportunity arises – take it
Dylan Kharaud supported himself through his sixth-form studies by working shifts in warehouses. Now he is continuing in that vein of learning and working by taking his first steps into the world of work through an apprenticeship with Crawford in the Major & Complex Loss team.
Dylan says he was attracted to the scheme partly because the industry offered something beyond his experience. “It looked like a good opportunity and quite interesting,” he says. “Growing up you didn’t really hear of many people going into insurance – it’s something different.”
While he has found the adjustment from sixth-form student to a 9-to-5 working environment the most challenging aspect of the apprenticeship, interacting with the loss adjusters he works alongside and hearing about their experiences has given him valuable knowledge.
As Dylan accumulates skills and experience on the job, he has found site visits particularly enjoyable and interesting, and is keen to do more of them.
He has also been impressed by the level of support from his colleagues at Crawford. “A system has been set up for each apprentice to have a designated individual to answer their questions and work alongside them,” Dylan says. “People in other sectors of the business have also said they’re open to questions.”
Dylan has set his sights on successfully completing the apprenticeship, believing that what he will learn along the way will guide his next step. “I’ll see where I am at that point and if there are other areas that fit my skill set and that I could see myself enjoying,” he says.
His advice for anyone considering an apprenticeship at Crawford is straightforward: “Take it — it’s a good opportunity!”
