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Underwriting Trainee Program Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Underwriting Trainee Program information

What is the difference between Underwriting Trainee Program vs Underwriter?

AspectUnderwriting Trainee ProgramUnderwriter
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, often in finance, economics, or related fieldsRequires relevant experience, certifications (e.g., CPCU), and industry knowledge
Work EnvironmentTraining-focused, entry-level, often in an office settingDecision-making role, responsible for evaluating risks and approving policies
Industry UsageCommonly used for onboarding new talent in insurance companiesEstablished professional role within insurance and reinsurance firms

The Underwriting Trainee Program is designed to train newcomers with foundational knowledge and skills, preparing them for a full underwriting role. In contrast, an Underwriter is an experienced professional responsible for assessing risks and making underwriting decisions. The program serves as a stepping stone toward becoming an underwriter, who typically has more industry experience and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Underwriting Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Underwriting Trainee Program, you generally need a bachelor's degree (often in finance, business, or a related field), strong analytical abilities, and numerical proficiency. Familiarity with underwriting software, Microsoft Excel, and sometimes progress toward industry certifications like CPCU is beneficial. Attention to detail, effective communication, and eagerness to learn are standout soft skills for this entry-level role. These skills enable trainees to accurately assess risk, collaborate with teams, and develop into successful underwriters.

What is an Underwriting Trainee Program?

An Underwriting Trainee Program is a structured entry-level development program designed to train individuals in the fundamentals of insurance underwriting. Trainees learn how to assess risks, price insurance policies, and make decisions about coverage under the guidance of experienced underwriters. These programs typically combine classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and mentorship. Upon successful completion, trainees may transition into full-time underwriting positions with increased responsibilities.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect to handle during an Underwriting Trainee Program?

As an Underwriting Trainee, you will typically rotate through different lines of business and assist experienced underwriters in evaluating insurance applications, assessing risk, and determining policy terms. You'll be involved in reviewing financial documents, communicating with brokers and clients, and learning about regulatory compliance. The program often includes both classroom training and on-the-job experience, providing a well-rounded introduction to the underwriting process. This hands-on exposure helps you build foundational knowledge and prepares you for more independent underwriting responsibilities after completing the program.
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Infographic showing various Underwriting Trainee Program job openings in Minnesota as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.
Underwriting Associate I (Trainee Program)

Underwriting Associate I (Trainee Program)

Western National Insurance Group

Edina, MN • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Who are we?
Western National Insurance Group is a private mutual insurance company with over 120 years of experience serving policyholders' property-and-casualty insurance needs in the Midwestern, Northwestern, and Southwestern United States. Known as "The Relationship Company®," we have always defined success as a measure of the relationships we've built over time. In everything that we do, we know that delivering a friendly and helpful interaction makes for a better experience for everyone involved. That's the power of "nice". At Western National, nice is something we work to bring to every person and organization with whom we partner and serve.
Does this opportunity interest you?
Western National Insurance Company's Commercial Lines Department has an exciting opportunity for an Underwriting Associate Trainee to join our team! This opportunity will allow you to work closely alongside our underwriters to assist them and our customers throughout the underwriting lifecycle.
Underwriting Associate Developmental / Training Program Summary:
Western National provides a training program for those interested in the insurance industry. This training includes both classroom and hands-on opportunities designed to teach you the fundamentals of insurance and underwriting. Overall, this training will help prepare you to serve our customers.
We anticipate the Associate/Trainee class to begin in August of 2026.
What are the responsibilities and opportunities of this role?
As an Underwriting Associate in our Trainee Program, you will assist underwriting in profitable premium growth through policy processing and technical support for both new and renewal business.
  • Assists underwriters in the daily underwriting and processing of new and renewal business and endorsements.
  • Uses established practices, processes, and procedures to renew and write new policies based on underwriting authority.
  • Reviews new and renewal business application documents and gathers additional information as needed to accurately underwrite policies.
  • Makes decisions and recommendations for varied situations, applying judgment to interpret related information, policies, and procedures.
  • Executes policies within established authority level or recommends solutions when outside of authority level.
  • Communicates with assigned agencies and underwriters.

Requirements
What are the must-have qualifications for a candidate?
  • Recent or upcoming college graduate with a Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent work experience.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to follow established processes and procedures.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent time management skills.
  • Intermediate experience with Word and Excel required.
  • Ability to work onsite at our corporate office in Edina, MN.

Compensation Overview
The salary for this position will be $25.00/hour.
Culture and Total Rewards
Western National has long been known as "The Relationship Company®" and caring for our employees is part of that relationship commitment. We value connectiveness, empowerment, and accountability, and we believe that our employees are our biggest asset.
Currently ranked as the 41st largest private company by revenue in Minnesota (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal), Western National has earned accolades year-over-year as an employer of choice and garnered multiple awards for wellness in the workplace. Western National has also been named a Top Workplace by the Star Tribune for the past four consecutive years. In addition, the Group is consistently recognized as a Ward's 50 property-and-casualty insurance company for its outstanding financial results.
Western National offers full-time employees a significant Total Rewards Package, including:
  • Medical insurance plan options and other standard employee benefits, including dental insurance, vision benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, and more!
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • 401(k) Plan (participants are eligible for 100% matching on the first 6% of their contributions)
  • Wellbeing Program, including onsite fitness studio
  • Paid Time Off - including holiday, vacation, and volunteer
  • 100% company-paid tuition reimbursement for approved job-relevant coursework and access to The Institutes (Risk and insurance education)
  • Paid parental leave
  • Bonus opportunities

Western National believes in supporting balance between work and life by providing a flexible work environment, which includes a variety of hybrid and remote work arrangements designed to balance individual, job, department, and company needs.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Western National provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Salary Description
$25/hour