Zurich Isle of Man’s latest internship programme enabled 11 young people to gain valuable work experience this summer.

The 14-week programme saw each intern being based in a different department at the insurer’s offices on the Isle of Man Business Park.

The programme encourages young professionals to develop key skills such as project management and collaboration while gaining hands-on work experience to help launch their careers.

The group also got the opportunity to take part in an Apprentice-style challenge with the cohort split in two teams – called ‘Team Brighter Futures’ and ‘Team Care to Win’ – to fundraise for The Children’s Centre and Hospice Isle of Man respectively.

A series of fundraising activities was organised, including raffles, car washes and bake sales, which were match-funded by the Z Zurich Foundation (a charitable foundation funded by various members of the Zurich Insurance Group) resulting in a grand total of £10,670 being donated to Hospice Isle of Man, and £3,763 to The Children’s Centre.

The interns were Edward Coole, Eugénie Woodhead, Hollie Dawson, Joshua Holden, Lucas Harding, Matthew Bell, Max Dewhirst, Nathan Kinrade, Ollie Nicholson, Sarah Atcheson and William Buchanan.

Hollie commented: ‘I feel really lucky to have spent the last few months on the Zurich Summer Internship.

‘It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience, giving me the opportunity to develop my skills, meet new people, and gain a broader understanding of the business beyond my own team.

‘Learning from the other interns and hearing about the projects they’ve been involved in has been a real highlight.

‘The fundraising project has also been a standout experience. With two intern teams raising money for different charities, a friendly sense of competition kept things exciting and brought plenty of energy, ensuring there was never a dull moment.’

HR consultant at Zurich on the Isle of Man Katherine Blenkinsop commented: ‘As we complete the fourth year of our Summer Internship Programme, I would like to thank all our interns for the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm they have brought to Zurich this summer.’

Corporate relationships and events executive at Hospice Isle of Man, Vanessa Naude said: ‘We’re incredibly grateful to this year’s Zurich interns for the commitment and energy they brought to supporting Hospice.

‘From volunteering to continue the polytunnel project started by last year’s interns, to throwing themselves into every fundraising initiative, they have been fantastic supporters.

‘Their bake sale and raffle generated wonderful enthusiasm, while the car wash proved especially popular with Hospice and Manx Care staff.

‘What has really stood out is the genuine enthusiasm they brought to everything they did, and we’re hugely appreciative of the time, effort and creativity they have given to Hospice.’

Events and income generation support from The Children’s Centre Leah Mousley said: ‘We are so thankful to the Zurich interns and employees for their remarkable continued support of The Children's Centre.

‘Their hard work, fundraising and generous gifts of time ensure we can continue providing vital services to the children and families across the Isle of Man.

‘Watching these young people channel their energy, compassion and creativity into helping our local community is truly inspiring. Their efforts will make a real, lasting difference to local families and we cannot thank them enough!”