Underwriting Operations Apprentice

Who Are Canopius?

Canopius is a global speciality (re)insurer with underwriting operations in Australia, Bermuda, Singapore, the UK and US. They are privately owned and one of the leading insurers in the Lloyd’s of London insurance market. 

At Canopius they foster a distinctive, positive culture which enables them to bring their whole selves to work to flourish as people, and build a business which delivers profitable, sustainable results. Canopius operates a flexible, hybrid working model and is committed to providing an environment that challenges employees to be their best and where everyone's unique contributions are recognised, valued and respected.

Who Are The Underwriting Operations Team?

The Underwriting Operations team at Canopius plays a vital role in supporting the underwriting function and ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day insurance operations. They work closely with underwriters to manage processes, systems, and data that enable efficient and accurate policy handling.

The team is responsible for activities such as policy administration, data entry and validation, processing endorsements, and supporting the lifecycle of insurance risks from submission through to renewal. They help ensure that information is captured correctly and that internal processes are followed in line with regulatory and business requirements.

As part of a collaborative environment, the Underwriting Operations team partners with teams across the business, including underwriting, finance, and data, to maintain high standards and deliver a reliable service to both internal and external stakeholders.

As an apprentice, you will be part of a supportive team where you can learn how underwriting operations underpin the wider insurance business, gaining hands-on experience and building a strong foundation for future career development.

What Is The Role?

As an Underwriting Operations Apprentice at Canopius, you will be part of a supportive team that helps ensure underwriting data is accurate, complete, and processed on time. This role is designed to help you learn the fundamentals of underwriting operations within the London Market while developing practical skills, technical knowledge, and professional confidence.

You will work closely with experienced colleagues and gain exposure to outsourced partners, supporting activities such as data entry checks, quality control, and query handling. With training and guidance, you will assist in the smooth running of Underwriting Operations and support the delivery of a high level of service to underwriters and other business areas.

This apprenticeship offers an excellent opportunity to build a long-term career in Underwriting Operations whilst learning how insurance policies are processed from start to finish.

Responsibilities will include:

• Support quality checks on underwriting data entered by onshore and offshore teams to ensure accuracy and completeness, developing strong attention to detail and an organised approach to work.
• Assist with basic audits and reviews of risk data, escalating any issues to senior team members when required, building confidence in handling data responsibly.
• Help investigate data queries by reviewing policy documentation and system records, recording outcomes clearly and developing written communication skills.
• Log queries raised with underwriting teams and support follow-ups to ensure timely resolution, learning how to manage tasks and prioritise effectively with guidance.
• Learn how to analyse weekly and monthly processing statistics and assist with reporting activities, developing basic Excel and data handling skills.
• Build positive working relationships with underwriters, colleagues, and outsourced partners through professional communication, developing confidence in verbal communication.
• Support the maintenance and updating of procedures for both onshore and offshore teams, gaining an understanding of processes within a regulated environment.
• Provide administrative and technical support to the wider Underwriting Operations team as required, demonstrating reliability and a positive attitude.
• Assist with monitoring data quality rules and completing follow-up actions under guidance, learning how data quality supports business operations.
• Take part in ‘change’ initiatives and continuous improvement activities to help improve processes and data quality, developing problem-solving skills.
• Act as a supportive team member, helping cover tasks when colleagues are absent where appropriate, showing flexibility and willingness to learn.

What Will You Work Towards?

You will work towards an externally accredited Level 3 Financial Services Administrator (or relevant operations-focused apprenticeship qualification).

You will study for your apprenticeship with the support of a specialist training provider while gaining practical experience in your role. The apprenticeship combines structured learning with on-the-job experience to help you build the knowledge and skills required for a career in insurance operations.

What Skills Are We Looking For?

• Demonstrates curiosity and a willingness to learn about insurance, underwriting processes, and the London Market.
• Works collaboratively with underwriters, outsourced teams, and internal colleagues in a professional and helpful way.
• Communicates clearly, both verbally and in writing, and is comfortable asking questions to support learning.
• Shows attention to detail and takes pride in completing tasks accurately.
• Approaches work with a positive attitude, reliability, and openness to feedback.
• Develops the ability to manage tasks calmly and respond to changing priorities with guidance.
• Shows initiative in learning and contributes positively to team objectives and environment.
• Identifies simple improvements and develops an understanding of how data quality and processes can be enhanced.
• Builds confidence in managing workload and queries while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
• Develops knowledge of the insurance policy lifecycle, supporting long-term career progression within underwriting operations.

• Analytical; You are very detail orientated. You pride yourself in working accurately.
• Driven; You are very self-motivated and task orientated. You like delivering results.
• Process Orientated; You are reliable and organised. You enjoy working on tasks until they are completed.
• Innovative; You are creative, innovative and enjoy problem solving.
• Communicative; You are charismatic, persuasive and a good communicator.
• Emotionally Resilient; You are able to manage my emotions and stress levels well.
• Decisive; You are direct and enjoy taking ownership. You enjoy healthy competition.
• Independent; You demonstrate initiative and work well independently. You are adaptable and flexible.
• Collaborative; You enjoy being a team player. You like supporting people and being customer focussed. 

Sanctuary Graduates & Apprentices, and Canopius are fully committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are made regardless of age, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, religion or beliefs, marital or caring status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage and welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds.

We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Please let us know if you require any information in an alternate format or any other reasonable adjustments.