Graduate Scheme
Markel National Markets Graduate Insurance Programme
Financial Services
Salary:
Competitive
Leeds
Position Start Date:
1st September 2025
Application deadline:
06/01/2025
Company: Markel International
Locations: Leeds
Role: Graduate – National Markets Insurance Programme
Salary: Competitive
Duration: Permanent (Programme length – 2 years)
Start Date: September 2025
Deadline to apply: 6th January 2025
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
An exciting opportunity has come up to join Markel International’s National Market division as a graduate. The National Markets Insurance Graduate Programme is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours you will need to build a successful career in insurance. Whilst working in this team, you'll develop a breadth of knowledge and understanding of our business as you rotate between a number of insurance divisions, including underwriting, claims, business development and operations. The insurance division is a diverse team of c400 exceptionally talented and collaborative individuals.
There are a number of career pathways to pursue after completing this rotational scheme, depending on where your interests and strengths lie. Whether it’s underwriting, claims, business development or something else, Markel will work with you to ensure that you are supported as you develop your career with us beyond the programme.
This programme sits within Markel’s National Markets division. National Markets is responsible for accessing ‘local’ businesses that tend not to leave a country’s borders, working with regional brokers to deliver specialist insurance solutions for individuals, businesses, and professionals. The National Markets division is sub-divided into three regions, UK, Canada and Continental Europe.
As a graduate on the rotational programme, you’ll have the opportunity to develop a breadth of knowledge of their business area as well as expertise within each of your rotations. Through this programme you will:
Take part in structured training conducted by senior employees with an extensive amount of knowledge in the industry to ultimately help successful candidates learn the fundamentals of the business of insurance.
Assist with core tasks that support the overall department workload and strategy, whether that be underwriting, claims adjusting, business development or operational processes.
Work in an environment where you will be able to gain valuable experience through on-the-job, technical and professional skills training.
Learn the terms and acronyms used by specialists across the insurance sector.
Collaborate and problem-solve with departments to successfully complete a range of challenging yet rewarding tasks which will shape you into an experienced insurance professional over a period of time.
Learn how to assess, rate, quote and underwrite the client’s risk.
Draft written reports and develop financial models to analyse client-specific projects.
Analyse data, including premium rates and risk analysis.
Study towards a credible Chartered Institute of Insurance Advanced Diploma (ACII) via a Level 6 Senior Insurance Professional Apprenticeship.
Attend regular check-ins to review performance so that you have every opportunity to progress and gain more autonomy within your role.
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.
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!
Markel are looking for candidates who:
Are collaborative, loves building relationships, brings out the best in others, making our culture the stuff of envy.
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.
Are proactive and committed to making a meaningful difference everyday.
Have achieved or are on track to achieve a 2:2 in any discipline.
Are you ready to play your part?
It only takes 30 seconds to register your interest in these roles, and we’ll support you throughout the full application process.