The insurance industry must change its public image to avoid an ongoing talent shortage, an executive with consulting and technology firm Xceedance says. 

“Insurance isn’t seen as a ‘hero’ job, a role that attracts respect. We need to alert people to insurance’s critical function in making the world a better place and helping people,” Business Leader – Key Accounts in Australia Prateek Vijayvergia says. 

“Insurers are heroes for consistently paying claims, but that’s not the public perception.”  

Globally, Xceedance has been presenting to university and college students about the industry in a bid to showcase its attractions, and Mr Vijayvergia says insurance as a profession offers a great variety of roles. 

Insurance takes seventh place in the list of Australia’s professions most impacted by skills shortages, according to a survey of employers by recruiter Hays. 

The survey of more than 14,000 respondents found 90% of insurance employers said they were experiencing a shortage of skilled staff, and Hays says shortages are predicted to last well into next decade. 

Mr Vijayvergia says the insurance industry has a gold mine of positive stories within claims files that could help to promote the sector. 

“I’m sure many happy claimants would love to share their stories,” he says.