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ZURICH, sWITZERLAND / lONDON, uk - July 03, 2014

XL Group's Global Asset Protection Services (XL GAPS) department has launched a new trainee program for engineering graduates. In July 2014, twelve college graduates – six in the North America region and six in the International region – begin a three year, extensive training as Loss Prevention Associates. The program is part of XL Group's strategy to foster talents and to counter the global shortage of qualified risk engineers.

Before the graduates take up their posts at the various locations of their respective XL trainers at XL offices in Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Sweden and the US they will attend a two-week induction seminar at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in Richmond, Kentucky, USA, to learn the basics of risk engineering. During the subsequent 24 weeks, some of XL Group's most experienced risk consultants will train the newly acquired talents in the US. On successful completion of this first six months of the program, the Loss Prevention Associates will join the GAPS team at the XL location to which they have been assigned and will take on typical tasks facing property risk engineers, such as compiling recommendations for fire protection measures, smoke emission reduction and other related risks. After three years of on-the-job training, the graduates will not only be able to advise clients on measures that will protect assets that can be worth hundreds of millions of dollars, but as Loss Prevention Consultants also to help solve some of today's most complex risks.

XL GAPS is the property loss prevention consulting arm of XL Group's insurance operation. Besides providing consultative loss prevention services to the company's commercial and industrial clients, insurance underwriters rely on XL GAPS loss prevention survey reports to assess risk and help calculate premiums.

Martin Vinkenflügel, XL GAPS Global Field Leader, commented: “It is a widely recognized fact that the industry is running out of qualified engineers. We at XL Group know only too well that a strong team of well-trained risk consultants can really make a difference; they're key when it comes to satisfying client needs. That's why I am particularly proud of this innovative program and happy that we have found twelve of the world's most promising talents who are committed to playing a crucial role as part of the XL GAPS team.”

Ian France, Chief Underwriting Officer International Property at XL Group, added: “Identifying and developing the best talent is vital to XL Group's strategy for long term profitable growth. Therefore, I am delighted that our Risk Engineering team has launched the training program. I am particularly excited that we have managed to attract such high potential new talent onto the team and we expect this group to develop into the next generation of leaders and risk experts – not only for our XL GAPS team but also in Underwriting and Risk Consulting. This is a really important project that we trust will further increase the level of service we provide to our clients globally.”

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About XL Group plc's É«¶à¶àÊÓƵ Operations

XL Group plc's insurance companies offer property, casualty, professional and specialty insurance products globally. Businesses that are moving the world forward choose XL as their partner. To learn more, visit  

About XL Group plc

XL Group plc (NYSE: XL), through its subsidiaries, is a global insurance and reinsurance company providing property, casualty and specialty products to industrial, commercial and professional firms, insurance companies and other enterprises throughout the world. XL is the company clients look to for answers to their most complex risks and to help move their world forward.  To learn more, visit

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