Meet Jade Gardener, Claims Handling Apprentice, Taunton

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, we caught up with Jade Gardener, Claims Handling Apprentice in our Taunton office. Jade shares his story and experience of his apprenticeship journey at Kennedys so far.

For more insight into what a typical day in the life looks like working at Kennedys, visit our life at Kennedys page.

Q&A

What team are you a part of at Kennedys?

I am part of the commercial claims handling team and I am based out of the  Taunton office. We are a team of over 50 claims professionals all with different areas of expertise and experience. The main type of claims that I handle are related to policies such as professional indemnity, bankers blanket bond and crime.

The professional indemnity matters that I am involved with mainly relate to claims made against professionals in the construction industry.

Bankers blanket bond mainly concerns matters where there have been fraudulent activities performed by employees, or theft or burglary perpetrated by non-employees. The crime matters that I usually deal with are related to losses from ATMs.

How did you start your career?

An apprenticeship was something that I was particularly interested in applying for. However, opportunities for apprenticeships were interrupted by the lockdown and I ended up working in a supermarket from March to October to keep myself busy. The role at Kennedys came along and I applied straight away.

What do you like most about your role?

It is a really supportive environment. I have learned a lot since I started in my role in October 2020 and continue to improve my knowledge of insurance and studying is a really great supplement to help with the on-the-job work itself. What I like best about the role is that everyone is extremely approachable and I feel comfortable asking my colleagues any questions I may have.

What are your biggest achievements so far?

My biggest achievement so far is receiving the Level 3 Insurance Practitioner certificate and the Cert CII designation through working on the apprenticeship on my study days. My next challenge is to complete the Level 4 Diploma in Insurance Apprenticeship and I am hoping to achieve the  Dip CII designation, all of this is to come in the next 2 years.

What is the environment like at Kennedys?

When I first started at Kennedys, it was immediately apparent how welcoming everyone is and what a positive working environment it is to work in. There are great opportunities to get yourself immersed in the work and as part of the London Market, it gives you the opportunity to build relationships outside of Kennedys too which is great as a junior team member.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their legal career?

My advice to someone looking to start their legal career would be not to be afraid to ask questions and actively seek to ask as many as possible. You do have to be good at balancing time between the study and the office work as it can take up a lot of time. However, your supervisor is there to support you with both.