Internship

Markel International Political Risk Underwriting Apprenticeship Programme

Financial Services
Salary: 
Competitive
London
2057
Position Start Date: 
September 2025
Application deadline:
17/02/2025

Company: Markel International 

Location: London

Role: Apprenticeship – Political Risk Underwriting Apprenticeship Programme 

Salary: Competitive 

Duration: Permanent (Programme length – 18 months) 

Start Date: September 2025 

Deadline to apply:  17th February 2025

 

Who are Markel? 

Welcome to Markel where we take great pride in what we do. To us, insurance isn’t just a policy - it’s a vital promise that gives people and businesses the confidence to move forward, each and every day. Here, you’ll find exceptional people, without the ego. People who’ll bring out your best, and support you at every step, because it’s who we are and the secret to our success. 

We are a leading global speciality insurer with a truly people first-approach. With over 5,000 employees across the globe, finding creative solutions for complex risks is our passion. And our broad array of tools and knowledge allows us to create tailored coverage solutions for even the most complex needs. 

Our international business is made up of two core divisions: Wholesale and National Markets, through these we offer innovative products and services. Our international business is located throughout UK, Europe, Canada and Asia Pacific. 

We pride ourselves on having accessible leadership, an inclusive culture and a focus on empowerment- we call this The Markel Style. This is brought to life through our employee led networks via ‘The Style In Action’, which are centred around inclusion, community, well-being, recognition and innovation.  

We’ve come a long way since Sam Markel dreamed big in 1930, but in our eyes, our journey is just getting started. Come see what you can achieve by applying for one of our open vacancies.  

 

We’re all about people | We win together | We strive for better | We enjoy the everyday | We think further 

 

The opportunity 

We have an exciting apprenticeship opportunity to join our close-knit Political Risk Underwriting Team as an Apprentice, during an exciting period of growth for the business internationally. Preferably, we are seeking an ambitious, curious and personable individual who relishes challenges. 

Throughout the Political Risk Apprenticeship with Markel, you will gain exposure to all areas within the department, and many areas of the wider business. You will be surrounded by a friendly and collaborative team who will support you in completing your Level 3 Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship.   

 

What you’ll be doing 

Underwriting is the process of evaluating and determining financial risk. Fundamentally, Underwriters analyse market conditions and seek to establish the feasibility and potential return of financial transactions. This role will involve you working alongside the Political Risk Underwriting Team. 

During your time with Markel’s Political Risk Underwriting Team, you will be expected to: 

  • Support in analysing the risks and geo-political factors for new Contract Frustration enquiries. 

  • Provide support to the underwriters including collating information, data management and administrative tasks.  

  • Shadow and learn from underwriters as they assess, rate, quote and ultimately underwrite risks. 

  • Build relationships with brokers ranging in seniority. 

  • Take a keen interest in current affairs – keeping up to date with outlets such as the Financial Times & The Economist. 

  • Assist in delivering presentations to stakeholders. 

  • Analyse balance sheets to make informed credit recommendations. 

  • Support the team in managing premium bookings and credit information. 

  • Collaborate with other departments, such as Claims and Underwriting Support, to manage the underwriting process flow. 

  • Work towards your Certificate in Insurance via your apprenticeship. 

 

What’s in it for you?

  • You’ll get support every step of the way – we know that starting out in a new role and industry can be daunting but Markel’s ego-free environment gives you all the support that you need to go further and achieve great things. 

  • Your development doesn’t just stop after your programme. Markel are committed to you and your long-term career -there are countless opportunities to learn new skills and develop in your career and we can provide the support needed to do just that! 

  • A genuine culture of camaraderie - at Markel, our shared values aren’t buzzwords. We really mean what we say in the Markel Style, and walk the talk, every day. 

  • Enjoy your free coffee as you admire 360 degree views of London from our office on the 27th floor of the Walkie Talkie building! 

  • Be part of our growing early careers community – through 121 buddy support, socials and other events you will have every opportunity to network and build great relationships with your peers both inside and outside of Markel. 

  • Competitive starting salary with an excellent package - including; private medical insurance, financial education, hybrid work structure, gym discounts, cycle-to-work scheme, motor breakdown cover, income protection and additional countless benefits that will be shared at the first stage of the process! 

 

Our must haves 

 Markel are looking for candidates who:  

  • Possess good IT (Microsoft Office) skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook and the ability to learn in-house systems.  

  • Are collaborative, can build and maintain relationships with colleagues through strong written and verbal communication.  

  • Have high levels of attention to detail and can work in a logical and thorough manner. 

  • Demonstrate a proactive attitude and are keen to grow within the company. 

  • Are able to network internally/externally to acquire and implement knowledge. 

  • Always ensure a high level of integrity and discretion, as confidentiality and sensitivity must be maintained. 

  • Are confident working with data and numbers. 

  • Are adaptable- you will be underwriting risks that are everchanging. 

  • Recognise the vital role our work plays in the world and are passionate about playing their part, in any way they can.  

  • Are always looking for ways to innovate and improve what we do. 

  • Have achieved, or are predicted, 3 A-levels grade C or above / grades equivalent to 96 UCAS points.  

  • Achieved GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 (C) or above (or equivalent qualification). 

 

 

Are you ready to play your part?  

It only takes 30 seconds to register your interest in this role, and we’ll support you throughout the full application process.