Zurich Financial Services Australia has a new way of ensuring university students can get a head start on their training.

From next year the company is fast-tracking its cadetship program to include second-year university students.

Head of Human Resources Anne O’Keefe says Zurich is also tailoring its cadetships to the individual strengths of the student rather than applying “a one size fits all” approach.

“We encourage undergraduates to consider insurance as a career, and cadetships are a great way to show young people the great diversity and challenge in financial services career paths,” she said.

Applications are now open for next year’s program with five spots available – four in Sydney and one in Melbourne.

Applications for the cadetships close on Wednesday.