Old Mutual Trainee Underwriter Programme 2027
Company: Old Mutual
Position: Trainee Underwriter
Location: Pinelands, Cape Town, Western Cape
Job Type: 12-Month Fixed-Term Trainee Programme
Closing Date: 18 November 2026
About the Programme
The Old Mutual Trainee Underwriter Programme is designed to prepare successful candidates for a career as an Individual Life Underwriter. The programme provides structured classroom learning, practical workplace experience, mentorship, and on-the-job training.
The programme is aimed at individuals who are new to the insurance industry and want to develop the skills required to assess risk, make underwriting decisions, and build a long-term career within the financial services sector.
Participants receive a stipend during the training period and may apply for permanent opportunities within the underwriting team after successfully completing the programme.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Matric with:
- Biology/Life Sciences and Mathematics; or
- Biology/Life Sciences and Accounting.
- A tertiary qualification (minimum NQF Level 7).
- A Diploma or Degree qualification.
- Strong English communication skills.
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office.
- Good interpersonal and customer service skills.
Advantageous Qualifications
- BSc Degree
- BCom Degree
- Medically aligned qualifications
- Previous financial services experience
- Old Mutual product knowledge
Key Responsibilities
Successful trainees will:
- Assist with underwriting decisions under supervision.
- Assess insurance risks and underwriting information.
- Capture underwriting data accurately on company systems.
- Respond to intermediary and client enquiries.
- Communicate underwriting outcomes and requirements.
- Participate in telephonic information gathering for risk assessments.
- Maintain high customer service standards.
- Build relationships with brokers, intermediaries, and customers.
- Analyse health-related and lifestyle risk factors.
- Keep up to date with underwriting trends and developments.
- Meet productivity, quality, and service standards.
Skills Required
- Analytical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Risk assessment abilities
- Communication skills
- Customer service orientation
- Problem-solving skills
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Administrative skills
- Decision-making abilities
What You Will Learn
During the programme, trainees will gain exposure to:
- Life insurance underwriting
- Risk evaluation
- Medical underwriting principles
- Client communication
- Insurance administration
- Industry regulations and compliance
- Professional report writing
Benefits of the Programme
- Monthly stipend during training.
- Practical insurance industry experience.
- Formal underwriting training.
- Mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Exposure to one of South Africa's leading financial services companies.
- Potential opportunity to apply for permanent underwriting roles after completion.
Documents Required
- Updated CV
- Certified ID copy
- Certified Matric certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Copies of tertiary qualifications
- Any supporting certificates
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted through the Old Mutual Careers Portal
Search for "Trainee Underwriter" and complete the online application before the closing date.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is ideal for graduates who:
- Want to enter the insurance industry.
- Have an interest in risk assessment and underwriting.
- Enjoy analytical and detail-oriented work.
- Want structured training and professional development.
- Are seeking a long-term career within financial services.
Old Mutual's Trainee Underwriter Programme offers an excellent entry point into the insurance sector and provides the foundational skills needed to become a qualified underwriter.
