The Council of Queensland Insurance Brokers (CQIB) has stepped up its careers program in a bid to encourage more people to enter the profession.

It hosted a stand for the first time at this month’s Brisbane Tertiary Careers Expo, and is attending high school careers events and looking at university information days, Co-ordinator David Duncalfe says.

The industry has a low profile among potential recruits and CQIB aims to raise awareness about the opportunities for students and older people, he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“Historically, everyone just falls into a career in insurance. We are just trying to say there are options out there. Lots of people have never thought about it as an industry.”

Brisbane expo attendees included high school students, parents, mature students and people considering career changes. Several calls were received the following week, with some people preparing resumes, the council says.

The stand, part of the CQIB young professionals insurance career induction program, was also supported by CGU, Allianz, Vero, QBE, Lumley and training organisations the Financial Services School and the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) College.

The industry has further opportunities to raise its profile and attract quality staff, Mr Duncalfe says. “We have been in discussions with NIBA about trying to do something as a national plan.”