Old Mutual Trainee Underwriter Programme 2026 – Pinelands, Cape Town
Old Mutual is taking on graduates for its 12-month paid Trainee Underwriter Programme at its Pinelands office in Cape Town. You’ll learn to assess life insurance applications by looking at people’s health, lifestyle and finances, and deciding what cover they can get. Training combines the classroom, self-study and on-the-job work with a mentor. If you have a degree and did Life Sciences at school, this is a strong start in a specialist insurance career.
Verified by Lloyd Media Lab on 14 November 2026 against the official Old Mutual careers website.
Quick facts
- Company: Old Mutual
- Programme: Trainee Underwriter (Individual Life)
- Location: Pinelands, Cape Town
- Duration: 12 months, fixed-term
- Pay: Paid during the programme (amount not stated)
- Minimum qualification: Degree or Diploma at NQF Level 7
- Experience needed: None (aimed at people new to insurance or underwriting)
- Reference number: JR-85349
- Closing date: 18 November 2026
What does an underwriter do?
When someone applies for life cover, an underwriter checks the risk. They look at the person’s health, lifestyle, hobbies, job and finances, then decide whether to give cover and on what terms. It’s a skilled job that mixes health knowledge, numbers and customer service.
What you’ll do
Underwriting
- make underwriting decisions with a mentor guiding you
- learn to assess health risks, and risks from someone’s environment, job or hobbies
- review a client’s finances and risk exposure
- decide on the right level of cover
- keep up with underwriting trends and economic changes
Clients and brokers
- answer questions from brokers and agents about underwriting requirements and medical conditions
- speak to clients by phone and in writing, and gather the information you need
- build good relationships with customers, agents and brokers
Admin
- capture underwriting information accurately and update the system
- meet daily production, service and quality standards
Who can apply
- A Degree or Diploma at NQF Level 7 or higher
- Matric with Life Sciences (Biology) and Mathematics, or Life Sciences (Biology) and Accounting
- Fluent in English and at least one other official South African language
- Good Word, Excel and PowerPoint skills
- Willing to work flexible hours and overtime when needed
Will count in your favour
- A BSc, BCom or medically aligned degree
- Strong telephone skills
- Knowledge of life insurance products and processes
Working hours
You’ll start between 08:00 and 08:30, and finish between 16:30 and 19:00, depending on business needs. Overtime may be required.
Skills they’re looking for
- Strong written and spoken English
- Good customer service and people skills
- Accuracy and a strong work ethic
- Working under pressure and meeting targets
- Working well alone and in a team
Documents to have ready
- An updated CV that clearly lists your matric subjects
- Your degree or diploma certificate and academic record
- Your matric certificate
- A copy of your ID
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online through Old Mutual’s official careers portal.
- Update your CV. Use our free CV builder if you need one, and add a line listing your matric subjects, for example “Matric subjects: Life Sciences, Mathematics, English, …”.
- Open the application using the button below and create an Old Mutual careers account.
- Fill in your details and upload your documents.
- Submit before 18 November 2026.
Tips to stand out
- List your matric subjects on your CV. Old Mutual says this twice. Without Life Sciences plus Maths or Accounting showing, you may be filtered out.
- Highlight health or science modules. Anatomy, physiology, pharmacology or statistics from your degree are directly useful in underwriting.
- Show you’re accurate. Mention any data capturing, research or admin work where accuracy mattered.
- Show you’re good on the phone. Call centre or customer service experience helps, since you’ll speak to brokers and clients daily.
- Apply early. It closes on 18 November.
What happens after you apply
Old Mutual often uses online assessments before interviews, so check your email, including spam, after you apply. If you have not heard back within a few weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful this time. Trainees who complete the programme can apply for permanent underwriting roles.
Scam warning: Old Mutual never asks for money to apply or to secure a place on a programme. If anyone asks you to pay, it’s a scam. See how we verify every opportunity.
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