Managing general agent launches three training programs

Managing general agent APRIL Canada has launched APRIL University with three training programs and two more in the development stage.

Essentials of pleasure craft insurance (1.5 RIBO hours), Ontario rentals & Airbnb market (1 RIBO hour) and insurance for general and specialized contractors (not currently accredited, but destined to be in the near future) are the three training programs in place. The courses are offered with a team of accredited professionals approved by Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario.

New training programs in commercial automobile and commercial marine are currently in the development stage and APRIL expects they will be ready by mid-2019, the MGA’s project and marketing manager, Mylène Longeron told Canadian Underwriter Wednesday.

These programs can be offered as both in-person training or as webinars.

Essentials of pleasure craft insurance will provide participants with knowledge of the various types of boats and motors and related pleasure craft coverages, APRIL explained.

The Ontario rentals and Airbnb market will enable participants to better understand who are the Ontario landlords and Airbnb hosts, and what specific problems they may face with respect to insurance coverage. Participants will also be introduced to APRIL’s new insurance products for unpaid rents and damage caused by tenants, specifically geared to landlords.

The one-hour course on insurance for general and specialized contractors is not currently accredited but destined to become accredited in the near future. The team will provide the public with a breakdown of APRIL’s new contractors program and the various coverages specifically geared to these operations.

The first training sessions were held in some “unusual locations,” including the Quebec Aquarium in Quebec City, Notman House in Montreal and the University of Ottawa. The second phase will take place in November, with training sessions at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto and the Italian Cortina Club Inc. in Kitchener, Ont. The first full round of training is expected to be finished by mid-November.

Are there any courses in the planning or development stages? “Yes, and our goal is to constantly improve our offering of courses,” Longeron said. “We’ve already planned webinars for the beginning of 2019 and have in mind other training [sessions] in person.”