Adjusting to the world of adjusters
For trained acoustics engineer Joshua Dumbleton, the opportunity of an apprenticeship at Crawford hit the right note.
From working as an audio engineer for clubs and bands to his role as a loss adjuster apprentice with Crawford’s Major & Complex Loss (MCL) team, the transition has required some adjustment.
However, the 23-year-old has enjoyed his time working out of Crawford’s Salford office and plans to build on what he has learned about the claims management business.
Having studied music technology at The Manchester College, Joshua pursued a course in audio engineering at the University of Salford, where he gained a deeper understanding of acoustics physics. That fascination with the finer detail of how things work is evident when he explains why he was tempted by the Crawford apprenticeship.
“I have always been awestruck by the world’s financial markets and have had a keen interest about their inner workings,” Joshua says. “To work for a publicly listed, independent company, where I can gain knowledge and utilise it, was very appealing to me.”
From the start, he says that the most challenging aspect was the starkly different working environment. “Having come from the bohemian surroundings of my previous work in jazz clubs and music studios, changing my mindset to business and customer service was initially challenging. However, through the kindness and support of my colleagues, I quickly adjusted.”
Joshua also brings soft skills into his role, having volunteered as a Scout Master for many years, experience that he says has allowed for significant personal growth. During his summer holidays from university, he also worked at a school for children with special educational needs as a general helper, earning valuable and transferable skills.
The apprenticeship has been a learning experience for Joshua. He considers that the most valuable knowledge he has gained has come through interacting regularly with senior loss adjusters, taking on board their advice and hearing about their experiences.
Additionally, more formal learning opportunities offered by Crawford, including programs from the Chartered Institute of Loss Adjusters and the British Damage Management Association, “have allowed me a much better understanding of my role”, Joshua says.
The success of an apprenticeship will always depend on the active support of experienced colleagues and a willingness to impart knowledge. Joshua describes the support he has had from the team as “impeccable”, adding: “Lexy Thompson, my line manager, has been particularly helpful in facilitating my continued day-to-day learning.”
He has also been delighted with the appreciation of his particular attributes. “Management has allowed me to be myself and assigned me many opportunities to further my career, through various projects, respecting and utilising my previous experiences,” he says.
Joshua has particularly enjoyed working on sustainability matters and would relish the chance to play a bigger part in reducing Crawford’s carbon footprint. He is focused on building up his skills and qualifications and gaining more experience through MCL case work.
To anyone who gets the chance of an apprenticeship at Crawford, Joshua advises:
“Go for it, no matter your level of experience or education. Crawford will give you all the learning and opportunities you need to get a foot on the ladder. The more future talent we can attract, the better the outlook for all.”
