The Chartered Insurance Institute has launched a virtual work experience scheme for young people interested in the insurance and Financial Planning professions.

The scheme will be open to those over the age of 13.

The professional body has partnered with Springpod for the insurance sector scheme this autumn, with the Financial Planning programme to follow in early 2024.

Hundreds of teens have already signed up, with the CII hoping to reach 3,000 over the next four years.

The professional body, parent body of the Personal Finance Society, said the scheme would give teens the opportunity to experience working in the sectors. They will be able to build an understanding of the skills and characteristics needed to be successful in the professions and they will also learn more about potential future career paths.

Claire Bishop, career partner manager at the CII, said: “This is an exciting new initiative that will bring the insurance and personal finance professions to life for 1000s of young people.

"Virtual work experience takes away the barriers traditionally experienced by many young people when they are considering a profession or work experience. Giving many more young people, from diverse backgrounds, access to this programme for free will empower the next generation to take their future into their own hands, and to widen the talent pool for our professions.”

The online programme will include virtual modules, quizzes, activities, webinars, discussions and roundtables.

The CII and the Personal Finance Society already run a 'My Personal Finance Skills' initiative which reached 25,000 children in 2022.

The professional bodies are also involved in apprenticeships, T-levels and a Next Gen scheme to develop future Financial Planning professionals.

More information, and application details, can be found online on Springpod’s website.