Makari Mathias and Zyjaé Trott-Philip have been selected apprentices as part of the Ascend School Leaver programme of Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited.

They will be supporting the reinsurance and insurance claims teams, respectively, until April 2026.

Mark Cloutier, Aspen Group chairman and chief executive officer, commented: “The Ascend programme enables high school graduates in Bermuda to attain valuable skills which can lead to a fulfilling and successful career in the [insurance and reinsurance] industry.

“We are proud and excited to offer this rewarding programme as a pathway for bright young Bermudians to engage with and build a career in our sector. We see Makari and Zyjaé as the first of many to walk this path and we are eager to support them on their journey.”

In addition to Ascend, Aspen offers an internship programme for college students.

In Aspen’s Bermuda office, Freya Kermode recently completed the first year of her graduate rotation, and Hannah Jones completed her summer internship with a Capstone presentation.

Beginning on September 9, Rylee Azia Gardner, a Bermudian who has completed a Master of Public Health at Nova Southeastern University, will be joining the Bermuda office as a graduate.

The Ascend apprenticeship programme is designed for graduating students aged 18+ as an alternative route into insurance careers, with the opportunity to attain industry-recognised professional qualifications while apprenticing at Aspen.

The programme is built around first-hand, day-to-day work and off-site development, including virtual classroom learning and workshops, and one- to-one coaching from industry practitioners.

Makari Mathias, a Bermudian High School honours student who is pursuing a designation as an Associate in Insurance with The Institutes, said: “Ascend enables me to gain practical experience and build a strong foundation for a future career in [insurance and reinsurance].

“It’s a great stepping stone into the world of risk management, providing me with invaluable insights and networking opportunities, and I look forward to supporting Aspen’s reinsurance claims team.”

Zyjaé Trott-Philip, who decided to pursue a career in insurance and is also pursuing an Ains designation, said: “Aspen’s apprenticeship programme provides the perfect blend of professional development and real-world application, giving me the opportunity to gain new skills, grow professionally and connect with talented professionals across the business.

“I’m very excited to learn about this industry from my coaches and to make a positive impact at Aspen.”