Finalists of The Insurance Apprentice series soon announced

FAnews, a magazine and online publication focussing on the South African insurance and financial services industry, launched The Insurance Apprentice in 2014, harnessing existing talent and bringing in new blood.

This online video series encourages young people to stay in the industry and ensures it continues to play a key role in the fabric of people's everyday lives.

Following the successful first season of The Insurance Apprentice, viewers and readers caught a glimpse of the six apprentices - Aaron Mrabalala, Azhar Said, Matthew George, Mopedi Melato, Roxanne Moodley and Walter Ngobene - as they strategically battled it out to be crowned the winner. Personalities clashed, opinions were had, but all in all it was a competition well played.

With just over 100 applications received, season two of The Insurance Apprentice officially closed its entries on 30 September.

Quality of applications

Having received a mixed bag of applications from various age groups and professions, the quality of applications this year has been exceedingly impressive, with a host of professions that boast the career paths of the insurance industry.

"The quality of applications we have received this year are of a high standard and we are excited about the process lying ahead to choose the final apprentices," said Rianet Whitehead, editor of FAnews.

This year brings in new twists and turns as the competition has been amped and is set to bring in eight contestants instead of six. Lloyds of London has once again confirmed that The Insurance Apprentice winner will be going to Lloyds - the ultimate prize for any young person in the industry.

With applications now closed, few selected applicants will go to round two in which the elimination process will commence and the final eight will be selected and revealed.

"Going bigger and better, season two of The Insurance Apprentice brings in a whole new ball game for the apprentices, from contestants to personalities, to judges and tasks. Having had six apprentices from very different backgrounds last year, it will be interesting to see how eight contestants will cope in the next series," said Whitehead.