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Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship

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Hiring for this year's programme is now closed and will re-open in the Spring of 2021.

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What is it? How it works Who it’s for Entry Requirements Who’s Hiring FAQ

What is an insurance apprenticeship?

The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship is Ireland’s first apprenticeship to award a level 8 honours degree – the BA (Hons) in Insurance Practice.

The three-year, work-based training programme combines academics with on-the-job learning, allowing you to acquire both technical and soft skills. As an apprentice, you will be recruited into an insurance organisation, where you will learn the practical aspects of the job while studying towards your degree. All study is done online through IT Sligo and The Insurance Institute or the LIA.

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How it works

Check your eligibility

  

On-the-job*
  • You should review the Entry Requirements for the programme.
  • You register your interest for the programme to receive job notifications from employers across Ireland.
  • You apply to apprenticeship positions available on the Jobs page.
  • You can approach local employers in your area to inquire about an apprenticeship.
  • You can access helpful CV tips, interview advice, personal development exercises and articles on our resources page.
  
  • You’ll specialise in one of the core industry areas – underwriting, claims or direct customer support. Learn more about these areas
  • You’ll learn about the business by completing projects and case studies.
  • You’ll study through a blend of online lectures, discussions and face-to-face group sessions – all during working hours.
  • A mentor and supervisor will help you along the way.
  • You’ll earn a salary and your academic training is government funded*.

 

* Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all on-the-job tasks may be carried out remotely. This is subject to the employer’s policy

* Employers set salaries that are commensurate with the industry rate for the job. A reduced annual apprentice registration fee applies.

Below is a year-by-year breakdown of the programme for the general insurance stream of the apprenticeship. To learn more about the life apprenticeship programme, visit the LIA website.

Year 1

While you’re learning the ropes on-the-job, you’ll also be studying (depending upon your role):

  • The nature of insurance
  • Compliance and advice
  • Personal general insurance
  • Life Assurance (QFA)
  • Regulation (QFA)
  • Loans (QFA)
  • Professional business communication
  • Teamwork and workplace collaboration
  • Selling and customer service for insurance products
  • Technical Communication (Numeric)

Qualification:

Accredited Product Adviser (APA Personal General Insurance)

Accredited Product Advisor (APA Life & Loans)

Year 2

Once you’re settled into your role, you will move on to learn about:

  • Commercial general insurance
  • Risk control and underwriting
  • Claims and loss adjusting
  • General insurance broking
  • Pensions (QFA)
  • Investment (QFA)
  • Financial Planning (QFA)
  • Introduction to Management (Marketing Principles and Service Development)
  • E-business and innovation
  • Negotiation in practice

Qualification:

Certified Insurance Practitioner (CIP)

Certificate in Professional Financial Advice (QFA)

Year 3

For your final year as an apprentice, you’ll advance your knowledge and expertise through:

  • Capstone project/dissertation
  • Innovation, creativity and critical thinking
  • Financial analysis and interpretation
  • Business law for insurance practitioners
  • Big data/advanced Excel

Qualification:

BA (Hons) in Insurance Practice

Register your interest

Who’s it for?

The apprenticeship programme is designed for School Leavers, New Graduates, and Career-Changers who meet the Entry Requirements and want to build a new career in the general or life insurance industry. 

Listen to what our past and present apprentices have to say about their experience in the programme.

Paddy Power, Career Changer
Stephanie Lewis, New Graduate
Aloise Robinson, School Leaver

What’s expected of you?

Employers look for a combination of academic and soft skills when hiring apprentices. Having the right combination of both is a key advantage that will get you noticed.

  • You meet the Entry Requirements
  • You apply for available apprenticeship positions on our Jobs page or seek an apprenticeship with an insurance company in your region.
  • You’re a ‘people person’ and are comfortable speaking face-to-face, online and over the phone.
  • You have the ambition to take on a position for three years.
  • You can work remotely and in an office environment.
  • You can balance time between work, study and exams.*
  • You have a basic understanding of spreadsheet (Excel) software.

*All exams take place online.

What are the requirements

1
Do you currently work in the industry and hold an insurance qualification?
Yes No
2
Are you under 23 years of age?
Yes No
3
Do you have (or expect to receive) a minimum of 2 honours in higher level Leaving Cert subjects?
Yes No
4
Do you have (or expect to receive) four additional Leaving Cert passes including Maths and English/Irish?
Yes No
5
Do you have a related FETAC level 5 or 6 award including distinction grades in at least 3 components?
Yes No
6
Do you have another qualification, such as GCEAS, A2, AVCE, Double Award, BTEC etc?
Yes No
Answer

The apprenticeship programme is open to those currently working in the industry, subject to certain criteria. Please check with your employer to see if they are participating in the programme.
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Answer

You’re eligible to apply! Interviews and other assessment tools are used in the recruitment process.

Register your interest to find out when companies are hiring.
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Answer

Great! You’re eligible to apply. Register your interest and we’ll let you know when applications open.
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Answer

You may not be eligible to apply for the programme right now. Have a look at the detailed entry requirements for

further information or email us at apprenticeship@iii.ie with any questions.
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Who’s hiring?

From large corporations to small hometown brokerages, insurance companies from all over Ireland are looking for talented, driven and team-oriented apprentices like you! Check out the latest apprenticeship positions in our Job Bank by clicking below.

CPAS - Insurance Apprentice (Dublin)

CPAS - Insurance Apprentice (Dublin)

CPAS, is a not-for-profit organisation, providing pension administration services to the Construction and related Industries. Our focus is to help our members prepare for a better future in their retirement. With a dedicated, experienced and professional team, CPAS ensures best practice in key areas of pension scheme management and provides a comprehensive service to Trustees, Employers and Members. 

Apply Now
CMCC Financial Solutions - Insurance Apprentice (Dublin)

CMCC Financial Solutions - Insurance Apprentice (Dublin)

CMCC Financial Solutions provides financial solutions including Family Protection, Business Protection, Retirement Planning, Pensions and Mortgages. We adapt to our client's ever-changing financial circumstances and in doing so develop lasting financial relationships. Our aim at all times is to not only provide value but more importantly add value. Our focus will always be on our clients as they have made us what we are – their first and last Trusted Financial Adviser. 

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Charles E Travers - Insurance Apprentice (Wicklow)

Charles E Travers - Insurance Apprentice (Wicklow)

Charles E Travers Financial Services Ltd is a long-established Financial Service Provider with over 30 yrs. experience in the market. We provide a full range of Financial Services to our customers. We also operate the Agency for EBS DAC in Arklow which allows us to provide a Full Mortgage Service in the region.

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Pegasus Financial Consultancy - Financial Administrator (Cork)

Pegasus Financial Consultancy - Financial Administrator (Cork)

Founded in 2011, Pegasus Financial Consultancy is a specialist financial planning practice based In Cork City that provides bespoke financial plans for SME’s public and private sector clients. Our key services include Wealth Management, Retirement Planning as well as Investment Planning. Our emphasis is on delivering exceptional financial advice, to assist our clients in achieving their medium and long term financial goals

Apply Now
Keane Pension & Investment Consultants Limited - Insurance Apprentice (Dublin)

Keane Pension & Investment Consultants Limited - Insurance Apprentice (Dublin)

Established in 2003, Keane Pension & Investment Consultants Ltd we have been advising our clients for over 18 years providing expert specialist advice in the areas of Financial Planning, Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, and Savings & Investments. With over 45 years combined industry experience we continue to help our clients with the setup and administration of a large range of Pension, Investment, Life Assurance, Serious Illness, and Income Protection products for both Individual and Corporate clients.

Apply Now
IMS Financial - Financial Apprentice (Galway & Clonmel)

IMS Financial - Financial Apprentice (Galway & Clonmel)

At IMS Financial, we have been helping our customers look after their Financial and mortgage needs for over 21 years We are one of Ireland’s longest established Mortgage intermediaries. We have a reputation for reliability and efficiency and are committed to our customers' financial needs.

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CIÉ Group Risk - Insurance Apprentice (Dublin)

CIÉ Group Risk - Insurance Apprentice (Dublin)

Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) is Ireland's national public transport provider. Over 230 million journeys are made annually on our network of national, regional, local and urban services across Iarnród Éireann, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann.

The CIÉ Group Risk Department, based in Bridgewater House, Islandbridge, Dublin 8 is responsible for minimizing the Group's exposure to financial risk.

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Willis Towers Watson - Insurance Apprentice (Dublin)

Willis Towers Watson - Insurance Apprentice (Dublin)

Willis Towers Watson is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has 40,000 employees serving more than 140 countries. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals.

Apply Now
Willis Towers Watson - Insurance Apprentice (Cork)

Willis Towers Watson - Insurance Apprentice (Cork)

Willis Towers Watson is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has 40,000 employees serving more than 140 countries. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals.

Apply Now
Inverdea Financial Solutions - Insurance Apprentice (Wicklow)

Inverdea Financial Solutions - Insurance Apprentice (Wicklow)

Inverdea Financial Services was established in November 2002 to provide clients with trusted, impartial advice in the area of personal financial planning. In the intervening 16 years, we have built up a base of over 1000 clients. In 2018 we won the award as Leinster Broker of the year as presented by Brokers Ireland.

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FOH Financial Ltd - Financial Advisor Apprentice (Clonmel)

FOH Financial Ltd - Financial Advisor Apprentice (Clonmel)

At FOH Financial Ltd, we have been operating as broad-based Financial Advisors for over 15 years, advising our clients, personal & business, across various aspects of their finances, including Mortgages, Pensions, Investments, Protection etc.

Our business is in the main, referral-based, as a result of our reputation for professionalism, best advice, reliability, and efficiency and most importantly our commitment to our clients.

Apply Now
Wealthwise - Life, Pensions & Investment Administrator (Carrick-on-Shannon)

Wealthwise - Life, Pensions & Investment Administrator (Carrick-on-Shannon)

Wealthwise is a Financial Planning & Wealth Management firm with offices in Carrick on Shannon and Oranmore, Co Galway. We specialise in providing Financial planning and Wealth management services to clients who want to achieve their personal and financial goals. Our clients consist of Business Owners, Executives, Directors, Self Employed, Private Investors, Families, Charities and Organisations.

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MCG Financial Services - Insurance Apprentice (Cork & Limerick)

MCG Financial Services - Insurance Apprentice (Cork & Limerick)

At MCG Financial Services, we have been helping our customers look after their financial needs for over 35 years.

We are one of Munster’s more established Financial Services companies. Our team of Qualified Financial Advisers work closely with our clients to identify their financial needs and to devise solutions to meet those needs. We pride ourselves on delivering complex solutions in an easy-to-understand manner. We always aim to look after our client’s financial service requirements with a personal touch, gaining a really deep understanding of their own particular financial challenges and objectives.

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Collinson Group - Insurance Apprentice (Navan)

Collinson Group - Insurance Apprentice (Navan)

Collinson is a family-run, global business.

Private ownership means we can focus on the values that are important to us. These drive everything we do. They result in us acting with integrity and agility while making long-term investments and decisions. They keep us innovative and importantly, they help us to deliver a better customer experience.

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IPB - Insurance Apprentice (Dublin)

IPB - Insurance Apprentice (Dublin)

Founded in 1926, we are the leading insurer of Ireland’s public sector. As Irelands only indigenous mutual insurer, we exist to protect and safeguard the interests of our Members, consisting of all 31 Local Authorities, 16 Education and Training Boards, the HSE and Regional Assemblies. In doing so, we play an important role in supporting our Members in serving the needs of their local communities across the length and breadth of Ireland. Our purpose is as relevant today as it was when we were founded over 90 years ago. We have maintained this purpose by attracting the very best talent to meet the evolving needs of our Members and Customers.

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McCarthy Insurance Group - Insurance Apprentice (Cork & Kerry)

McCarthy Insurance Group - Insurance Apprentice (Cork & Kerry)

McCarthy Insurance Group are one of Ireland’s leading insurance brokerages serving customers across personal lines, commercial lines, health insurance, as well as life, pensions, mortgages and investments.  We at McCarthy Insurance Group pride ourselves in offering customers a one stop shop approach to insurance.

Established in Fermoy in 1952 we have 16 branches in Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Dublin & 200 staff who have joined us at all levels

Apply Now
iSure Underwriting - Apprentice Commercial Development Underwritier (Cavan)

iSure Underwriting - Apprentice Commercial Development Underwritier (Cavan)

Our mission is to make specialist insurance easy to buy through the expertise of our people, embracement of insureTech and our agility and speed. This captures value for us because we operate with brokers who acknowledge and adopt our service proposition in return for being one of their primary providers - avoiding selection against and becoming one of their insurers of choice. This has enabled us to build strategic relationships with a defined number of selected broking partners and offer a degree of exclusivity.

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BIZ Broker - Insurance Apprentice (Mayo)

BIZ Broker - Insurance Apprentice (Mayo)

We are an independent Insurance Broker with over 30 years of experience specialising in Business Insurance, but in a unique way compared to others.

We provide a bespoke service as we realise no two client’s requirements are the same. First off we will listen to what these requirements are and then broker your business to suitable insurers and once this process is complete revert back to you with our findings.

Apply Now
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FAQ’s

Although apprentices can start their positions early, the next apprentices will officially start the programme in September 2021. 

Have a look at our step-by-step guide to applying →

Check with your employer to see if they are taking part in the programme. The apprenticeship was developed to attract new entrants to the industry and therefore is not currently open to those with an insurance qualification – however if you’re a new entrant without an insurance qualification, you may still be eligible to apply.

Absolutely not. Apprentices can come from a wide range of backgrounds. Anyone who wants to begin a career in the insurance industry, from school leavers to third level students, graduates and career changers can apply to be an apprentice, provided they meet the minimum entry requirements or pass the interview selection process.

You won’t just earn one qualification – you’ll earn three, one each year.

  • Year 1: Accredited Product Adviser (APA) – this is the industry’s entry-level qualification. Insurance professionals need this before they can provide advice to customers unsupervised. Find out more about the APA →
  • Year 2: Certified Insurance Practitioner (CIP) – the next step on from APA, many employers request their staff have this qualification as a minimum. Find out more about the CIP →
  • Year 3: BA (Hons) in Insurance Practice – at the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll graduate with a level 8 honours degree.
  • Key business skills such as communication, workplace collaboration, customer service, negotiation, innovation, creativity and critical thinking
  • Technical insurance knowledge, which you will obtain by completing professional insurance programmes, the Accredited Product Adviser (APA) and Certified Insurance Practitioner (CIP)
  • Skills in emerging areas such as big data and e-business

Entry requirements include a minimum of 2 honours at higher level in the Leaving Cert or equivalent, and a pass in four additional subjects including Maths and English or Irish. If you are over 23, interviews or other selection tools may be used to assess instead of these minimum requirements. There is no work experience requirement.

You must be at least 18 years of age to enter the programme.

Three years, broken down into nine semesters (three per year).

The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship is Ireland’s first apprenticeship to award a level 8 honours degree – the BA (Hons) in Insurance Practice. The three-year, work-based training programme combines academics with on-the-job learning, allowing you to acquire both technical and soft skills. As an apprentice, you will be recruited into an insurance organisation, where you will learn the practical aspects of the job while studying towards your degree. All study is done online through IT Sligo and The Insurance Institute. Your employer will support you in your on-the-job learning, with regular one to one personal development sessions with your industry supervisor and mentor.

The degree portion of the programme is government funded and you will also be paid a salary by your employer. Salaries will be commensurate with the industry entry-level rate. A reduced apprentice registration fee applies.

As long as you meet the Entry Requirements for the programme, you are eligible to apply for any available apprenticeship positions. You must check that you hold permissions (visa/permit) to work in Ireland.

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