Due to continued business growth, Covernet is supporting graduate recruitment

Graduates are currently facing what could be one of the toughest job markets in decades. The impact of the pandemic has led to a surge in unemployment rates with the latest monthly figures revealing that young people and graduates have been hardest hit by the economic fallout, accounting for nearly two-thirds of job losses.

However, despite the uncertainty of graduate employment prospects, a local web-based insurance software company is expanding its workforce with the recruitment of highly skilled graduates.

Coleraine-based Covernet has enjoyed continued business growth throughout the pandemic and with further growth planned as they target the UK and US markets, they are looking to recruit graduates across three roles – Graduate Business Analyst, Graduate Software Developer and Graduate Quality Assurance Analyst.

Covernet’s SMART Graduate Programme is now in its fifth year, and the new recruits will play an integral role in the company’s strategy to support the future growth and innovation of the business.

Successful applicants will benefit from a structured Graduate Development Programme designed to help them learn in real-time, on-the-job and through supported training. They will also be rewarded with a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

The company’s continued support of graduate recruitment underlines Covernet’s commitment and investment in Northern Ireland’s insurtech market and Managing Director, Lee Stuart, believes that career progression should be a motivating factor for potential applicants interested in the company’s new roles.

“Graduates are a critical part of our talent pipeline. The ability to attract great people to Covernet and help them develop their careers has underpinned our success to date,” he said.

“They bring fresh ideas and a new skillset to the business, and above all, ambition to make a difference. We’re not just hiring for specific roles, but for careers, and candidates who can work as part of a diverse team to deliver our customers’ needs.”

Jemma Connor from Ballymoney is Covernet’s most recent recruit, employed during the pandemic. “I joined the team in September 2020 as a Graduate Software Developer. Along with the prestige of working for a company with over 25 years’ experience in the development of innovative insurance products, I was attracted by the opportunity to work on my own product and gain valuable training,” said Jemma.

“I’ve achieved so much during the past year and had the opportunity to enhance my skills and to grow and expand my knowledge. I’ve really felt like part of a team and there is always someone to talk to if I need any help or support.”

Andy Kyle from Omagh, joined the business after working as a Junior Business Analyst for a small software development company in Belfast. “I started with Covernet as a Graduate Business Analyst in March last year. By the time I joined, lockdown restrictions were already in place and we were all working from home.

“The graduate programme eases you into the training required for your role and offers the opportunity to gradually build your skills and expertise through a mix of projects and on-the-job training. The training and education I have received from Covernet are invaluable to my professional development.”

Enda McVey from Magherafelt joined Covernet as a Graduate Software Developer at the end of March 2020. “I was lucky enough to spend a week in the office before lockdown restrictions came into place. Everyone is very friendly and we have a call every morning to catch up, so you still feel like part of a team,” he said.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the big names in the insurance industry and to learn the entire development lifecycle, enabling me to develop a broad range of skills.”

Lee Stuart continued: “At Covernet we encourage members of the team to define their own individual development plans and we support them in achieving their career goals through our Career Development Framework.”

Recently, the company sponsored two employees – Gemma Laird and James Taylor from Coleraine – to complete a Certificate in Insurance from the Chartered Insurance Institute.

Gemma has been a Software Developer with Covernet for over three years. She joined the company straight after completing her studies at Ulster University in Coleraine. Upon completing her training she was given the opportunity to develop a product for a household name insurer. She commented: “Working on this project has enhanced my problem-solving skills and introduced me to new programming languages, which has been a huge boost to my confidence.”

James joined the team four years ago as a Graduate Software Developer after graduating from Jordanstown. “My fellow colleagues have been welcoming and supportive from the moment I joined” said James. “There are plenty of opportunities available for career progression and personal growth within the business and I’ve been equipped with the resources to ensure confidence in all aspects of my role.”

Applications for all three graduate roles are open to those with an interest in pursuing a career in the insurance industry. To find out more and apply, visit https://www.cover.net/careers/