Benefits to business
There are many benefits for employers as a direct result of hiring an apprentice, ranging from low-cost training to staff retention amongst others:
- Funding: The initiative is Government supported, which means the tuition fees are funded and student fees are largely subsidised and payable by the apprentice
- Soft skills development: Apprentices will develop strong communication, negotiation and organisation skills as part of their business modules
- Fill your skills gaps: Developed with industry stakeholders, this apprenticeship focuses on developing the specialist skills you need to keep pace with the latest technology and working practices - skills often not available in the job market
- Fast track to compliance: The apprentice gains the Accredited Product Adviser (APA) at the end of year one and the Certified Insurance Practitioner (CIP)/QFA at the end of year two increasing your pool of qualified people
David Malone
Member Relationships Manager - IPB Insurance
The Apprenticeship Programme is an ideal way to recruit new staff as it combines on the job training with the theory through online learning. Our apprentices have also provided valuable feedback through questions and opinions on their work in their departments and this has helped identify areas for improvements.
Diarmuid Kelly
CEO - Brokers Ireland
Brokers remain a vitally important channel for consumers. Being able to attract new, young talent into broking who want to develop and prosper with a professional, rewarding career in insurance is vitally important in revitalising the industry and future-proofing Brokers presence in the marketplace.
Carolyn Higgins
Group Information & HR Manager - Thornton Group
At Thornton's, we were finding it quite difficult to recruit staff and to find the right people. We had to sit back and think about how we were going to solve this problem and decided upon the Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship as it gave us the opportunity to bring somebody on board that we could work with from the beginning of their training and benefit our business in the long run.
Aletta Brennan
Training and Quality Manager, An Post Insurance
Apprentices are gaining invaluable, on the job experience. The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship is like a passport into the insurance industry, and as employers, we are here to help them every step of the way.
Duncan Duke
Director, Inverdea Financial Services
From the outset, we received excellent support from all involved in the programme. This included help with framing our advertisement; guidance on the assessment of potential candidates; interview processes and guidance around employment matters. The entire process worked very smoothly and we were well supported at all stages.
