Brokers understand the need to continually upgrade their knowledge base through continuing education – but are challenged to put aside large chunks of time away from their work responsibilities.
Also, the new cohort of insurance professionals entering the industry is looking for more unique and diversified types of training beyond the traditional classroom.
“The next wave of brokers will face a new market landscape,” says John McNeil, the manager of learning and development for national sales and distribution for
RSA Canada. “Products are changing, the way of doing business is completely changing, and the industry is facing new threats and challenges. Continuing education allows brokers to raise their game and be confident in order to navigate these new times.”
McNeil points to the new demographic of customers – millennials – who are bombarded at a rapid pace with a plethora of information.
“Brokers play an important advisory role to help millennials, and customers of all ages, critically examine information that impacts their insurance buying decisions,” says McNeil. “Through continuing education, brokers can align themselves as a key insurance advisor who understands industry trends and customers’ specific needs.”
In line with customers’ adoption of digital and online technology to do things faster – when and where they want – the move to using online continuing education, such as podcasts, was a decision RSA made to meet the “go-go” lifestyle of today.
“There are many logistics that come with the traditional classroom; and there’s nothing wrong with that,” says McNeil, adding that as much as someone might admit that they prefer a classroom setting, “they grunt and groan when they have to attend one, because it means time away from their day-to-day productivity.”
By utilizing RSA’s online learning that will be available in September, brokers can pick and choose when they want to learn.
“A lot of people like to listen to podcasts, or listen to books, and do it on their downtime,” he says. “Traditional classrooms don’t take place on the GO Train, where someone can take part in a small piece of what is called ‘micro-learning,’ which is 10 or 15 minutes to take information in. It really empowers the learner and can also increase retention.”
This method of micro-learning allows brokers to take in information at their own pace, says McNeil, avoiding “information overload” that can happen in a large classroom setting.
RSA is launching its first education podcast on the topic of telematics in September. Other topics available through podcasts and webinars next month include flood, claims training and fraud.
McNeil describes the podcasts as “just-in-time learning” and “anytime learning,” underlining the portability and manageability of the information that can be obtained.
While the RSA education program targets its broker network, it is open to brokers of any affiliation.
“We’re an insurance carrier just like anybody else,” says McNeil, “Through continuing education, we’re offering brokers the chance to grow and succeed with us.”
