A new Melbourne-based training academy aims to enhance insurance executives’ technical skills.

The Insurance Academy, founded by industry veterans Peter and Tina Dean, offers online and workshop training.

“What we are doing is technical training that helps people do their jobs,” Ms Dean told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “Our offerings are quality learning developed by industry professionals.”

She does not see any rivalry between the academy and the new broker education system being set up by the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) and the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA).

Under that agreement ANZIIF becomes NIBA’s preferred broker education supplier and the latter exits training provision. See earlier story

“We don’t see ourselves in competition or in conflict with [ANZIIF],” Ms Dean said.

The academy currently offers three online modules: Claims Made Policies ($82.50), Business Interruption Essentials ($440) and Retail Clients, which is offered free.

Ms Dean declined to reveal how many clients have signed up with the new organisation, but says the industry is waking up to the importance of access to good training.

“It’s vital and it appears the industry is finally starting to recognise that we don’t just need a compliance piece of paper – we also need people with solid skills,” she said.

The founding partners have more than 30 years’ industry experience, including more than 15 in training.

According to her LinkedIn account, Ms Dean has worked as an insurance training consultant for Arthur J Gallagher. Prior to that she was an ANZIIF contract consultant, Elders Insurance operations manager and Golf Insurance Brokers account manager.

Mr Dean was previously an ANZIIF consultant for 13 years and also manager of insurance broking with Elders Insurance.

They hold certificates in training and assessment, and diplomas in financial services for insurance broking.