Old Mutual invites suitably qualified graduates to apply for the Trainee Underwriter Programme 2026 in Cape Town.
Internship Application Closing Date: 18 November 2026
Internship Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Programme Duration: 12 months
Contract Type: Fixed-term contract
Stipend: Paid during the training programme
About the Old Mutual Trainee Underwriter Programme
Old Mutual is offering a 12-month Trainee Underwriter programme aimed at preparing participants for a career as an Individual Life Underwriter.
The programme is designed for candidates who are new to the insurance industry or new to risk underwriting and want to develop the practical knowledge and technical skills required to begin a career in underwriting.
Successful participants will receive structured training through classroom learning, independent learning and on-the-job experience.
Once all programme requirements have been successfully completed, trainees may be in a position to apply for permanent opportunities within the Old Mutual underwriting team.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Matric.
- Biology or Life Sciences and Mathematics; or
- Biology or Life Sciences and Accounting.
- A tertiary Degree or Diploma at a minimum NQF Level 7.
Applicants should ensure that their Matric subjects are clearly included on their CV.
The following qualifications will be advantageous:
- BSc Degree
- BCom Degree
- Medically aligned Degree
Key Responsibilities
Successful trainees will be responsible for:
- Making underwriting decisions under the supervision of a mentor.
- Handling intermediary enquiries.
- Providing guidance on underwriting requirements and impairments.
- Capturing underwriting information accurately.
- Updating product administration systems.
- Providing written communication to clients and distribution channels.
- Keeping up to date with underwriting developments and trends.
- Maintaining high customer service standards.
- Developing critical underwriting skills.
- Learning how to assess health-related risks.
- Assessing environmental and pastime exposures.
- Determining appropriate insurance coverage.
- Reviewing financial conditions.
- Reviewing risk exposures.
- Monitoring economic trends that may influence underwriting decisions.
- Building relationships with customers, agents and brokers.
- Communicating with customers telephonically and in writing.
- Gathering information relevant to risk assessment.
- Providing administrative support.
- Meeting daily production standards.
- Meeting service and quality standards.
- Responding to customer and intermediary requirements.
Skills and Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong written English communication skills.
- Strong verbal English communication skills.
- Ability to communicate in English and at least one other official South African language.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Ability to work accurately.
- Good work ethic.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to meet deadlines and targets.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Microsoft Word skills.
- Microsoft Excel skills.
- Microsoft PowerPoint skills.
Strong telephonic skills will be advantageous.
Knowledge of Old Mutual products, systems, life insurance products and insurance processes will also be advantageous.
Working Hours
Applicants must be willing to work flexible hours.
Starting times may range from:
- 08:00 to 08:30.
Finishing times may range from:
- 16:30 to 19:00.
Working hours may be adjusted according to business requirements.
Applicants must also be willing to work overtime when necessary.
Programme Benefits
The programme provides:
- Structured underwriting training.
- Classroom learning.
- Independent learning.
- On-the-job experience.
- Exposure to individual life underwriting.
- Practical customer and intermediary engagement experience.
- Career development within the insurance industry.
- Opportunity to apply for permanent roles after successfully completing the programme and training requirements.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official Old Mutual recruitment platform.
Click here to apply for Old Mutual Trainee Underwriter Programme 2026
Applicants should ensure that their CV clearly lists their Matric subjects.
Important Application Information
Before applying, candidates should ensure that:
- They meet the Matric subject requirements.
- They hold a minimum NQF Level 7 tertiary qualification.
- Their CV clearly lists Biology/Life Sciences and Mathematics or Accounting.
- They are willing to complete the full 12-month programme.
- They are comfortable working flexible hours.
- They are willing to work overtime when required.
- They submit their application before the closing date.
Closing Date
18 November 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.