Rewiring insurance: how digital transformation is making the industry Gen-Z ready

As A-Level and GCSE students prepare for their futures, one of the UK’s most traditional industries is undergoing a quiet but powerful shift – and it’s opening doors to careers built around tech, impact, and long-term growth. 

The insurance sector is changing – fast. Often viewed as a steady, conventional career path, it’s now becoming a space for digital innovation, data-driven decision-making, and creative problem solving. With an estimated 25% of the industry’s workforce edging towards retirement, according to the Chartered Insurance Institute, there’s an increasing need to show young people what modern insurance really looks like. 

“The perception of insurance as old-fashioned just doesn’t match reality anymore,” says Julian Hucks, Founder and Managing Director at Starpeak Insurance Solutions, a tech-focused insurance provider. “It’s not just about policies and spreadsheets – it’s about building digital tools, understanding data, and finding new ways to manage risk.”

Digital skills in high demand 

With roles emerging in AI, analytics, tech developments, and emerging risks, the industry now demands many of the same skills found in startups or fintech firms. But awareness and appeal remail low, particularly among younger students weighing their options post-exams. 

“We’re a small team, but we use cutting-edge tech to solve big problems,” adds Julian Hucks. “Insurance needs people who are curious, collaborative, and open to learning –  not necessarily experts on day one. That’s what makes it such a great fit for early careers.”

A shift in culture and priorities 

Younger generations are increasingly motivated by purpose, flexibility, and values-driven work. While salary still matters, work-life balance, meaningful development, and belonging are rising to the top. 

Forward-thinking firms are adapting. Whether through remote-first setups, mentorship opportunities, or small, agile teams that encourage learning-by-doing, companies like Starpeak are proving that insurance can offer the kind of working environment Gen Z is looking for. 

“We’re not a huge organisation, but that’s part of the appeal,” says Hucks. “You get to see your impact quickly, work with different parts of the business, and develop in real-time. We’ve built a culture where people can grow, not just fill a role.” 

“Digital adoption isn’t just streamlining operations; it’s the engine behind our scalability and has directly supported our growth of over 20% year-on-year,” says Julian Hucks. “The technology we’ve embedded into our workflows enables us to onboard and empower new team members quickly, giving them real responsibility from day one. In a fast-growing business like ours, talent is everything. This rewiring of the insurance industry has not only accelerated our growth over the past few years, but it’s also created a modern, dynamic environment where the next generation can not only thrive but also help shape the future of insurance” added Julian Hucks.

Making the industry visible 

The challenge now isn’t just changing the work, it’s changing the narrative and increasing the exposure. Too many young people still see insurance as a backup plan rather than a first choice. That’s why companies across the sector are being urged to rethink how they connect with future talent, from digital outreach to sharing authentic stories about what working in the space is really like along with the long-term opportunities it can offer. 

Julian Hucks adds “We care about the future of the industry. If more young people saw what insurance actually looks like today, especially at smaller, tech-forward companies, they’d be surprised at the variety of roles and opportunities available.”

Robert Welbourn Robert Welbourn is a contributing reporter for Claims Media. His background is in banking and finance; he has worked for a number of high street banks and trading platforms. He's also a published author and freelance writer and editor.