A FORMER apprentice at a Dorset insurer has won a prestigious scholarship.

Nick Magee, of Poole-based Alan & Thomas Insurance Group, has earned a place on the Allianz Insurance scholarship programme, which supports staff to achieve a Chartered Insurance Institute Diploma.

Mr Magee, 21, is qualified insurance adviser after serving his apprenticeship with the company. He secured one of only 50 places on the Allianz programme. The scholarship includes tuition, mentoring and networking opportunities en route to attaining the diploma in 18 months.

The programme is open to staff employed at brokers which have achieved chartered insurance broker status. Alan & Thomas is the only independent broker in Dorset to have achieved the accreditation.

Alan & Thomas CEO Julian Boughton said: “Nick is valued member of staff at Alan & Thomas and we’ve seen him go from strength to strength with us whilst completing his apprenticeship and moving into our property division. We are all excited to see him progress on the Allianz scholarship programme and develop into a first class insurance account executive, which we know he is capable of.”

Mr Magee joined the company straight after finishing A-levels at Brockenhurst College and is part of the company’s property owners division, advising commercial and residential landlords on insurance and risk management.