Graduate Scheme
Markel Wholesale Underwriting Graduate Programme
Financial Services
Salary:
Competitive
London
Position Start Date:
1st September 2025
Application deadline:
06/01/2025
Company: Markel International
Locations: London
Role: Graduate – Wholesale Underwriting 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
The Wholesale division trades globally with medium to large businesses and offer larger premiums and limits. Markel's Wholesale division is comprised of four underwriting divisions (Marine and Energy, Professional, Financial Risks and Cyber and Specialty (Casualty, Trade Credit, Political Risk, Equine & Livestock) with offices around the world, operations, portfolio development and support, distribution strategies and business development, and an award-winning claims team. With many of their risks written through Lloyds of London market place, their ambition is to become the best speciality insurer out there.
As a trainee underwriter you’ll spend your time learning everything that you need to become expert in your field. Within the programme you will:
Provide technical support to the underwriters including data management and administrative tasks
Learn how to assess, rate, quote and ultimately underwrite risks
Take part in a structured, in depth training programme designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills an behaviours in line with our ‘Underwriter of the Future’ career framework
Take part in secondments to other teams to broaden your skills and network
Build relationships with brokers and clients by attending events and networking opportunities
Collaborate and problem solve with departments such as actuarial and compliance
Study towards a credible Chartered Institute of Insurance Advanced Diploma (ACII) via a Level 6 Senior Insurance Professional Apprenticeship
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!
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.