College felt like an incredible change from secondary school and was a great experience for me personally, helping me transition into adulthood and feel more independent. My form tutor Ray, who also taught Law, was an inspiration and a very sociable individual. Ray and College more generally helped my confidence speaking to people in authority, enabling me to connect with adults on a personal level. The lack of hierarchy when compared with school made for a more enjoyable environment, and that made me want to work hard and participate. I socialised with people from so many different backgrounds, which is also important when you move into working life.

When I first left College, I was unsure of what I wanted to do and I worked as a labourer on a building site for a year. After many cold mornings spent in a house with no windows, no doors, no roof and no heating, I decided to chuck it in for something different. I then started my professional journey as an apprentice with Lloyd’s of London – a leading insurance marketplace and regulator. I enjoyed learning on the job and being paid for it, as I could go on holidays and buy a car. Getting the apprenticeship was an incredible achievement for me – with around 700 applicants for about 30 roles I was so pleased I made a good enough impression to be accepted.

Since March 2024, I’ve worked as an Associate Insurance Broker for Arthur J Gallaghers (AJG). I’m what’s known as a ‘Placing Broker’, which means I work on behalf of clients and wholesale brokers in the industry to ‘place’ their business in the Lloyd’s market. The insurance industry in London is like no other and it’s an exciting profession. While I’m now at AJG, I regularly meet Underwriters in the Lloyd’s of London building. The role is diverse and I’m always meeting new people and developing that all important network!

While working, I’m also studying towards my ACII, an advanced insurance qualification that will enable me to work with businesses based in a broader range of countries. I currently live at home with my parents and I’m saving up to purchase my first property.

Being able to communicate effectively and learning to network are incredible skills to have in any profession and I’ve found it can help get you ‘over the line’ when applying for jobs. Of course it’s important to build your knowledge, but having the ability to speak confidently is a game changer, especially if you want to be a leader in your chosen industry.

Perhaps unsurprisingly my advice to College students starting out in their career I’d say, “Network, Network, Network!” The more people you know the better! Since leaving College my friendship group has branched out into a variety of industries – I have friends who are training to be barristers, building surveyors, manual tradespeople such as electricians and plumbers, mechanics, estate agents, project managers … the list continues. Having a strong network around you is a superpower and I feel I’ve gained from this massively. Meet people, learn about them and listen intently, build the connection and maintain the relationship: it truly is worthwhile.

Charlie Moye

Reigate College: 2019-2021

Higher Education: Level 4 Insurance apprenticeship with The Davies Group while working as an Insurance Apprentice at Lloyd’s of London then Diploma CII, Diploma for Chartered Insurance Institute

Currently: Associate Insurance Broker, Arthur J Gallaghers Insurance