On October 24^th the Coalition pour la promotion des professions en assurance de dommages (the Coalition) gathered some 40 actors from the Damage Insurance industry and the educational sector in order to ensure consistency of the current offering in terms of training with the industry’s needs in qualified labour. As the nature of the work of professionals significantly transforms, employers and training providers will examine the findings of a recent prospective survey on labour skills of the future, conducted by the firm Aviseo Conseil for the Coalition and Finance Montréal, in view of identifying preferred solutions and building an action plan together.

Rethinking training offerings

According to the study, nearly 60% of hirings aim to support company growth, whereas 40% are to fill vacancies from employee turnaround, namely departing retirees. The industry therefore faces high needs in qualified labour. The Damage Insurance AEC and Insurance and Financial Advisory Services DEC are both preferred diplomas by industry firms, yet they are not the chief hiring criterion. In fact, employers are seeking candidates with high levels of soft skills who position themselves more as advisers then salespersons. Employers also value more highly learning than practice. The meaning given to customer service, analytical skills, and sales abilities are also highly sought.

“This new industry survey demonstrates a necessity to establish better relationships between companies and learning centres to ensure that training echoes the reality of our shifting industry. Our role then is to facilitate exchanges among those actors so that all can benefit,” says President and CEO of the Coalition Robert LaGarde.

The Industry and shifting nature of the professions

The evolution of consumer behaviour and new technologies are revolutionizing the role of Damage Insurance professionals as it is being defined currently. In search of an outstanding experience, clients expect a more personalized service in the same way they would with a lawyer or a financial planner, for example. Soft skills remain at the core of employers’ expectations, but some less complex tasks could perhaps be carried out by process automation or robotic automation in the future.

Thinking and Building an Action Plan Together

On October 24^th, the Coalition gathered the industry and training institution representatives to discuss the survey findings and conduct cocreation workshops.  This meeting will result in an action plan, the success of which will depend on the involvement of firms and training institutions with the Coalition.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted between March and August 2018 by Aviseo Conseil, commissioned by the Coalition and Finance Montréal. Interviews with 70 representatives from 48 different organizations were carried out: 21 Damage Insurance firms, 6 associations and regulation bodies, and 21 training institutions. Note that this sample represents 45% of certified workers. Survey highlights are summarized on the fact sheet available.

About the Coalition

The mission of the Coalition pour la Promotion des Professions en Assurance de Dommages is to attract more candidates to careers in the industry and highlight the image of its professionals. It’s foundation in 2002 was driven by the entire industry.