ISE Award winner, WildHearts Talent, explains how it designed and delivered unique learning experiences to drive essential skills development for Zurich apprentices.
WildHearts Talent has worked with the people development Team at Zurich since 2021 to embed a bespoke version of their signature programme, The Micro-Tyco Challenge, with Zurich apprentices.
This project-based challenge offers a safe space for participants to develop entrepreneurial behaviours and essential skills including problem-solving, commercial thinking, influencing, communication, team-working and innovation.
The programme objectives
- Nurture innovative-thinking and entrepreneurial spirit through social and experiential learning.
- Provide a psychologically safe environment to develop essential project collaboration and influencing skills.
- Allow apprentices to develop the sense that, no matter your role, you can have a meaningful impact on your business and society.
The challenge
On reviewing the skills of incoming apprentices, Zurich found:
- Over 50% had never delivered a presentation with confidence.
- Over 60% were not confident in managing conflicting priorities or coming up with tasks to help achieve their goals.
Using these insights, the Zurich Apprentices’ Micro-Tyco Challenge is delivered as a six-week project-based simulation. Apprentices compete in small teams to develop innovative solutions to ESG issues impacting the business.
WildHearts Talent provides ongoing coaching to teams throughout the process, supporting individuals to practice essential skills and embed new organisational knowledge.
This project focus allows them to put organisational values into action and increase their understanding of Zurich’s pioneering sustainability work. Senior leaders from Zurich are then invited to judge the teams’ pitches at the end of the process, enabling apprentices to network across the business whilst practising presentation and communication skills.
Impact
Micro-Tyco produces ideas that are sponsored by senior leaders and implemented to solve real business challenges at Zurich.
A standout example from 2022 is the Zurich Apprentice-led TikTok recruitment campaign, designed to diversify the apprenticeship recruitment pool, successfully implemented by the business.
Feedback from participants and coaches demonstrates how the partnership between WildHearts and Zurich has enhanced skills development:
- 87% cite teamwork and collaboration as key skills developed
- 75% cite building confidence in communication and presentation skills
- 60% cite building confidence in time and project management
- 98% agreed their awareness of Zurich’s sustainability strategy increased throughout the challenge
Apprentice testimonials
- “My biggest takeaway was my organisational skills… it’s really helped me in my day-to-day role. I now plan my day before I’ve started it so I can set goals and achieve them.”
- “Collaboration was a key workplace skill the experience taught me. You need to work as a team to make sure everyone is pitching in to make sure you’re working towards your common goal.”
- “My biggest takeaway now that I’ve transitioned into my next role, is my confidence to network outside of my immediate team, across the business. It helps me look at things from a corporate perspective not just a team perspective.”
Continuing the apprentice development cycle: Coaching opportunities
As of 2023, Apprentice alumni who participated the year before, volunteer to support teams alongside their coaches and mentors. They empathise with the challenges apprentices face with additional training alongside their day-jobs and studies.
Ciaran, a Zurich Apprentice explained:
“Transitioning from a participant to a coach has been a fulfilling experience. Paying it forward has given me the opportunity to share the invaluable lessons I’ve gained and witness the growth and success of others. This journey has not only enhanced my leadership abilities but also deepened my empathy and understanding. Being a coach has greatly boosted my personal development, constantly reminding me of the importance of support, guidance, and most importantly, soft skills which we can carry throughout our careers.”
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