The Trainee Underwriter Programmes are now open for ambitious graduates who want to build a career in life insurance underwriting and financial services. Old Mutual is offering the Trainee Underwriter Programmes in Pinelands, Western Cape through a structured 12-month fixed-term training programme designed to prepare participants for the role of Individual Life Underwriter. The Trainee Underwriter Programmes combine classroom learning, practical workplace experience, mentorship, and on-the-job training to help participants develop the technical and professional skills required in underwriting. During the programme, learners will receive a stipend while gaining valuable experience in one of South Africa’s leading financial services companies.
Position Details
- Position: Trainee Underwriter
- Company: Old Mutual
- Programme Duration: 12 Months
- Job Type: Fixed-Term Training Programme
- Location: Pinelands, Western Cape
- Industry: Financial Services / Insurance
- Job Requisition ID: JR-77584
- Closing Date: 15 July 2026
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the Trainee Underwriter Programmes, applicants should have:
- Grade 12 with Biology/Life Sciences and Mathematics, or Biology/Life Sciences and Accounting
- Tertiary Degree or Diploma (Minimum NQF Level 7)
- Medically aligned qualification, BSc or BCom (advantageous)
- Strong written and verbal English communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Customer service orientation
- Ability to work under pressure
- Willingness to work flexible hours and overtime when required
Advantageous Qualifications and Experience
- Previous telephony experience
- Old Mutual product and systems knowledge
- Life insurance product knowledge
- Ability to communicate in English and one additional official South African language
Skills Required
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Analytical thinking
- Risk assessment skills
- Communication skills
- Customer service excellence
- Planning and organisational skills
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Accountability
- Teamwork
- Computer literacy
- Problem-solving abilities
- Professional ethics
Key Responsibilities
- Make underwriting decisions under mentor supervision
- Assess insurance risks and customer information
- Capture underwriting information accurately
- Handle intermediary and customer enquiries
- Prepare professional written communications
- Analyse medical, financial and lifestyle risk factors
- Support insurance administration processes
- Maintain service quality and productivity standards
- Build relationships with customers, brokers and intermediaries
- Participate in telephonic information gathering
- Stay updated on underwriting processes and industry developments
- Deliver excellent customer care at all times
Why Apply
- Paid 12-month trainee programme
- Structured classroom and workplace training
- Mentorship from experienced underwriters
- Opportunity to build a career in life insurance
- Exposure to one of South Africa’s leading financial institutions
- Opportunity to apply for permanent underwriting positions after successful completion
- Professional and career development opportunities
Important Notes
- Applications close on 15 July 2026
- The programme is based in Pinelands, Western Cape
- A stipend is paid during the training programme
- Applicants must include their Grade 12 subjects on their CV
- Successful trainees may apply for permanent underwriting opportunities after completing the programme
- Applicants must be willing to work flexible hours and overtime when requireD