Created in 1945, SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) evolved into two distinct operations – SGI (the Saskatchewan Auto Fund) and SGI CANADA. The Saskatchewan Auto Fund is the province’s compulsory auto insurance program, operating the driver licensing and vehicle registration system.
SGI CANADA is a well-established property and casualty insurance company. It operates as SGI CANADA in Saskatchewan, SGI CANADA Insurance Services Ltd. in Alberta and Manitoba, the Coachman Insurance Company in Ontario, and is a partner in the Insurance Company of Prince Edward Island (ICPEI) in the Maritimes. More than 1,900 people are employed throughout the company.
Why SGI is different
If you want to work for a company that takes good care of its employees, look no further. Between professional development, work-life balance, benefits, and work environment, it’s no wonder that SGI is great place for recent grads.
The perks
While many grads expect little time off when they begin their careers, most employees at SGI enjoy an extra day off every two weeks, and vacation time that increases with years of employment. “We have the ability to give (employees) flexibility with their hours as well,” says Tamara Erhardt, VP of Human Resources and Corporate Services.
Young employees can enjoy SGI’s President’s Youth Advisory Council (PYAC), of which all employees 30 and under are automatic members. The group does activities to promote youth within the company, and a sense of community. It has an annual professional development convention, as well as community and volunteer activities throughout the year.
In fact, the community feel is a big bonus at SGI. “Whenever we ask what (employees) like best about working here, they say it’s the people they work with. And we often hear our staff say we’re not just a company, we’re a community,” says Erhardt.
Why you'll love SGI
The benefits don’t stop at work-life balance and a youth-friendly setting — there’s an opportunity to really grow here.
“We sponsor insurance education programs and if people want to take a program at a university that is applicable to their career growth within the company, we do reimburse educate fees,” says Erhardt. Want to achieve the Certified Management Accountant designation? Or become a Chartered Insurance Professional? These are just some examples of what SGI supports.
There are also programs within the company to support growth. Erhardt says, “We have a comprehensive catalogue of internal training that’s available to staff, both for professional development and personal growth.
“We encourage job shadowing for employees who just joined the company ... and if you’re interested in changing your career path while you’re working with us, it gives you an opportunity to see what really goes on within those other jobs before you actually apply.”
And even though SGI is an insurance company, it is substantial in size, with a wide variety of career choices. Students can get a feel for various positions though SGI’s internship, apprenticeship, and mentorship programs. Through the government program Gradworks, recent graduates can find an internship to match their desired career path, whether its in corporate consulting, human resources, or claims support services. SGI’s regular internships include: claims, communications, underwriting, finance, and traffic safety promotion.
How to apply
Interested? Students and recent graduates are encouraged to visit www.sgi.sk.ca and view the careers page to find out more about the internships, apprenticeships, and career opportunities available. You can also follow the company on Facebook for up-to-date postings about career opportunities and fairs. If you have any inquiries, send them to recruithelp@sgi.sk.ca.