Making the leap: a new home for existing skills in Suncorp Home Claims

There’s no single path to a career at Suncorp; everyone’s journey is unique. But, while the right outlook is essential, certain skills have helped many Home Claims team assessors successfully transition into their roles.  

For plumbers, carpenters, electricians and other skilled tradespeople looking for a change, moving into insurance might not seem like the obvious next step. But the idea that you’re locked into one career after learning a trade couldn’t be further from the truth. The skills honed on the job site - problem-solving, customer interaction, and a deep understanding of building structures - are highly valued in the insurance industry. 

From carpenter to claims assessor 

Before joining Suncorp in 2024, Caleb Lemme’s trade was all he knew. “I finished school and went straight into carpentry,” he said. After eight years in a small business and completing his Certificate IV in Construction, he knew he wanted a change.  

“I’ve always tried to help people—it’s how I was raised—but I felt like my current path wasn’t allowing me to do that.” When he came across an ad for an insurance assessor role at Suncorp, he wanted to learn more. 

“I was interested but thought that to change careers, I’d be losing everything from the last eight years and starting again,” Mr Lemme said. 

Now, he spends his days balancing site visits, reporting, and customer calls. “Every day is the same but different,” he explained. “I like having structure—but also the flexibility to spend more time with a customer if their claim needs it.” 

Does he ever miss being on a building site? “Honestly, no. I still have that connection, but now I’m positively impacting customers during a difficult or stressful time. The relief you see when you help them is just so fulfilling. This job has ticked every box—and more—than I ever could have hoped for.”

Translating construction knowledge into insurance expertise 

Craig Joseph’s background in construction has provided an excellent foundation for the assessor’s role. He explained, “Having that proficiency means I can communicate effectively with builders and often find better options for both parties.”  

His approach combines technical expertise with empathy. “When you come on-site, you're constantly reading the situation and adapting,” he said. 

“If a customer is elderly or has health-specific concerns that might determine the best course of action, I’ll spend more time with them, ask the questions and really understand their needs—that often uncovers information they wouldn’t think was valuable.” 

While every claim is different, Mr Joseph says the most satisfying part of his job is a constant.  

Even the smallest gestures have an impact. “Sometimes it’s the really simple things that make the biggest difference,” he said. “We had an elderly customer with a door that came off its track. Another had a problem with an electric gate. In both cases, it was an easier fix I could resolve on the spot, so they didn’t even need to file a claim. 

Helping in those unexpected ways can mean so much to our customers. To me, those are the moments that matter.” 

From plumbing to problem-solving 

Rebecca Senyard grew up in a family plumbing business, so working with customers and solving problems was second nature. A career in insurance wasn’t something she’d planned, but it turned out to be the perfect fit. 

“Moving into insurance has turned out well for me. I did my apprenticeship and worked in the family business for years. When I had kids, I was looking for an alternative to being on the tools all day,” she said. 

As part of her career transition, Ms Senyard started a successful industry blog and began writing articles about building and renovations, interiors, and plumbing for other websites. Looking for a more consistent income, she joined Suncorp part-time and focused on advancing her professional journey. 

She moved from a customer service role to an assessor position and now to an Assessing Specialist role, where she supports the Home Claims team. 

“It’s a varied role,” she said, “We’re available to assessors if they need help deciphering any grey areas or aren’t sure about reporting. Sometimes, they just need direction or a sounding board.” 

She sees her role as a critical bridge between technical expertise and customer experience.  

A rewarding career shift 

For Mr Lemme, Mr Joseph and Ms Senyard, the move from the building trade to insurance assessment has been a rewarding career move.  

“You still keep in touch with the industry,” Mr Joseph said. “You’re meeting with builders and engineers, you’re still involved—but without the physical strain.” 

The support within Suncorp has made all the difference.  

“Every person I’ve met since starting has been so helpful,” Mr Lemme said. “Every time you reach out, there’s someone to lean on.” 

For Ms Senyard, the shift has been just as fulfilling. “In a trade, you solve problems every day, figuring out the best way to get the job done. That doesn’t change in insurance—you’re just solving different kinds of problems, often for people who really need your help,” she said. 

At Suncorp, it’s not just what we do - it’s how we do it. Insurance is about more than just policies and payouts - it’s about people. Every conversation, every decision, every claim is a chance to help someone get back on their feet, and that’s what drives us at Suncorp.