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First Job, New Challenges: How Managers Can Attract And Support Great Early Talent

Operational People & Development

Online

24th June 2026 • 13.00 - 14.00

About this session

Starting a first job is a major transition, and many early career employees struggle to establish the expectations, structure and support available to them.

This session gives managers and business leaders a practical approach to attracting the right early talent and setting them up for success from day one through their first 12 months.

We will focus on what works in reality: how to identify potential over polish; create simple but effective induction and onboarding and provide the right level of guidance.

By the end, managers will have clear, actionable tools to build confidence early, avoid common mistakes and turn first job employees into capable, reliable members of the team.

Learning Objectives

Describe key challenges early career employees face when starting their first job and the importance of structured support in the first 12 months.
Outline practical approaches managers can use to build confidence, provide appropriate guidance and support early career employees to become effective team members.

Samantha Lydon

Managing Director • Empower Development

Sam launched Empower Development in 2018 following a successful career in Insurance HR and L&D.

Sam recognised a need in the market for a training consultancy that truly understands the industry and the needs of insurance professionals. Recognised as a ‘trailblazer’ on the front cover of the CII Journal, Sam is known not only for her high-quality training and coaching, but for her significant voluntary work raising awareness of insurance careers on TikTok and promoting diversity in the industry.

Louise Pergande

Early Careers Consultant • Empower Development

Louise has over a decade of experience in early careers recruitment and development primarily in insurance. Her experience includes recruitment, as well as designing impactful graduate, intern, placement, and apprenticeship programmes.

Passionate about supporting early career talent in insurance, Louise is dedicated to helping the next generation of insurance professionals find their feet and build meaningful, rewarding careers