An industry-leading learning and development program
The world of work is changing rapidly, and Suncorp is building future-critical skills through its Future Skills Program to ensure its workforce is ready for what’s next.
A key component of this initiative is the Reskill Program, designed to help employees build capability in emerging areas, including a dedicated stream focused on data, analytics and AI.
Suncorp’s commitment to building future-focused capability has been formally recognised, with the Future Skills Program named a finalist in the Best Learning & Development Strategy category at the 2025 Australian HR Institute (AHRI) Awards.
EM Learning, Talent & Capability Jennifer Catterall said investing in learning and growth is critical as skill demands continue to evolve.
“At Suncorp we aim to retain incredible talent by providing targeted development in future-focused skills and capabilities as change happens,” she said.
Developing a future-ready workforce through reskilling
Launched in 2022, the Reskill Program helps employees build real-world skills and reimagine their future, with more than 100 people reskilled in areas of future focus to date.
Employees passionate about building new career pathways go through a rigorous nomination and review process before being selected.
There are currently two programs available – Business Process Modelling (BPM) and Data, Analytics & AI – delivered over 13 to 14 weeks in partnership with the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
During eight weeks of the program, participants step out of their everyday roles to fully immerse themselves in learning and personal development, allowing them to focus on building technical, professional and personal skills without juggling day-to-day responsibilities.
Spotlight Sessions form a core part of the Reskill experience, enabling participants to apply their learning to business strategy, develop commercial acumen, and hear from future hiring Leaders and Reskill Alumni.
Executive General Manager Workforce Jen Delves said the program is delivering strong outcomes for employees and the business.
“Our Reskill Program has a broad reach to support the increasing number of people seeking to develop future skills, such as AI,” she said.
Investing in our people
Darcy’s career journey reflects how investing in people, combined with a willingness to learn and take on new challenges, can open new career pathways.
He began his career at Suncorp almost a decade ago as a Home Claims Manager, supporting customers during the moments that matter by assisting them over the phone and progressing their claims.
He later moved into several roles across the business, including Technical Support Officer and assessor within the Natural Hazard Events team.
Each role deepened his operational expertise, strengthened his customer experience capability, and enhanced his ability to apply insight in complex environments.
By the time Darcy was working as an Assessing Specialist, he felt ready for a new challenge.
When his Leader nominated him for the Data, Analytics & AI Reskill Program, it provided an opportunity to combine his frontline experience with future-ready skills in technology and data.
“The program had two facets to it – you learn about the data, analytics and AI components in partnership with UNSW and the Reskill team at Suncorp provide a lot of coaching and training around your personal and professional development,” Darcy explained.
“The Spotlight Sessions with different teams that work with data daily was eye opening.
“You could see yourself in their journeys and it gave you the confidence that you could do something similar.”
That confidence proved pivotal – just before completing the course in December 2024, Darcy secured a Product Specialist role in the Consumer Transformation space.
The role focuses on developing and implementing new technology across the assessment and repair stages of a customer’s claim, allowing him to bring together his claims expertise with newly acquired skills.
Darcy said he was “blown away” by the level of support provided throughout the Reskill Program.
“Without the support from the Reskill team at Suncorp I wouldn’t have had the confidence to step out and put my name in for a role different to anything I’d done before,” he said.
While a new role is not guaranteed, 93 per cent of Reskill graduates remain employed at Suncorp, and within 12 months of completion, 60 per cent of Reskill Program participants have transitioned into new roles.
Turning emerging technology into everyday capability
Beyond the Data, Analytics & AI Reskill Program, Suncorp also provides hands-on experience with emerging technologies through other Future Skills initiatives, including the annual AI Academy, Accelerate Data and Analytics, and Professional Skills Programs.
Darcy now uses AI in his day-to-day work to analyse data and transform complex information into clear, structured business process documents.
“Suncorp has strong ambitions on implementing new technology, like AI, to improve our claims process and the customer experience,” he said.
“The Reskill Program and other Future Skills Programs are important in making sure we are future-ready, resilient and we keep moving forward to achieve the goals we set.”
He also reflected on how the Reskill Program equipped him for the future of the workplace: “It was great to embrace a growth mindset and it helps you not to be pigeon-holed into what you are doing.”
“In terms of being future ready, the Reskill Program helps you to be agile and adaptable to what is coming and ready to learn new skills to stay up to date.”