How Gallagher is helping to build futures and communities
SUCCESS
Thriving – Gallagher apprentice Rhianna McHale.
PICTURE: TOM BANKS
Investing
in Teesside
How Gallagher is helping to build futures and communities
In an era where big business is often accused of looking inward, insurance broker Gallagher is taking a very different approach in Teesside. From nurturing young talent through apprenticeships to investing in community-driven causes, the Stockton-based office is proving that local impact still matters.
For Rhianna McHale, a young woman from the area, the idea of working in insurance initially sounded dull.“ I thought it would be boring,” she laughs.
But after being encouraged to explore an apprenticeship at Gallagher, she quickly discovered a different side to the industry. She added:“ There are so many career paths in insurance, and it’ s constantly evolving. I’ ve loved it from the start.”
Rhianna’ s story is a compelling testament to the power of apprenticeships. Having completed her Cert CII and now working towards her Diploma CII, she’ s gone from uncertain student to confident professional in less than two years.
Gallagher’ s structured, supportive programme helped her find her feet not just in the industry, but in the working world more broadly.“ They helped me adjust from college to office life, and even offered emotional support when it felt overwhelming,” she says.
Through her role, Rhianna has had the opportunity to travel and network with professionals across the industry, including attending events in Newcastle and London. She’ s also been invited to visit the iconic Lloyd’ s of London building later this year- a milestone moment for anyone starting out in insurance.
But Gallagher’ s investment doesn’ t end with career development. The company also puts its weight behind local causes, recently donating to the Power of Women campaign for International Women’ s Day.“ That really struck a chord with me,” Rhianna says.“ It’ s about women’ s safety and empowerment here in Teesside. As a young woman from the area, it means a lot.”
She’ s also taken an active role in the office’ s Inclusion and Diversity group, spearheading initiatives like Black History Month and planning for mental health awareness activities.“ It’ s not just about doing your job,” Rhianna explains.
“ It’ s about building a workplace that understands and supports people.”
From hosting awareness campaigns to encouraging conversations around wellbeing, Gallagher’ s Teesside office is proving that corporate responsibility can be grassroots. Rhianna even spoke at a Speakers for Schools event, reaching hundreds of students from around 29 schools to share her apprenticeship journey and encourage others to consider alternatives to university.“ Apprenticeships just aren’ t talked about enough,” she says.“ But they can open up real opportunities.”
Lee Elgie, managing director for Gallagher in Stockton, said:“ Rhianna’ s story is a great example of what happens when businesses invest in people. Gallagher isn’ t just creating employees. It’ s building futures.”
With young professionals like Rhianna leading the way and a company culture that puts people first, Gallagher is setting a new standard for what local investment really means.
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