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The Industry

it’s bigger than you think

Industry overview

Insurance is a hugely important and diverse industry. It influences just about every sector and subject area, underpinning everything from small companies to multinational organisations and even global economies. In Ireland, insurance employs over 28,000 people.

Life Assurance

Life Assurance companies provide different types of life assurance and pension policies to meet clients’ financial needs. The roles assurance companies play include the drafting development and management of:

  • Life assurance policies
  • Income protection policies
  • Serious illness policies
  • Savings plans

Life assurance companies also provide financial planning services for clients.

General (non-life) Insurance

The General Insurance market consists of three main sectors: motor, household and travel insurance.

Motor: protects you as a motorist against liability in the event of an accident that you may cause.

Household: is made up of two parts, building insurance and contents insurance.

Travel: protects you from a wide range to risks when you travel. Some include: flight cancellation, emergency medical treatment, theft, lost passport and more.

Facts and figures

Here are some facts we're proud of in insurance

28,000
working in insurance in Ireland
3,000
new insurance jobs by 2020
200 apprentices employed by 50 Irish companies
500
insurance organisations in Ireland alone
One of the most diverse industries
A leading sector for
work/life balance
41%
of insurance apprentices are female compared to 1-2% in other industries.
Source: Insurance Ireland Fact File 2014
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Core apprenticeship roles

The three areas that underpin the general insurance industry are Underwriting, Claims and Direct Customer Support. For more information on life assurance roles, visit www.lia.ie

core
industry
roles
Is this you?

Underwriter

Checklist
  • Problem solver
  • Appetite to learn
  • Attention to detail
  • Strong analytical skills
Typical career path

Assistant Underwriter > Underwriter > Underwriting Manager

Starting out you’ll need:

Accredited Product Adviser (APA)

or

BA (Hons) in Insurance Practice – Apprenticeship

core
industry
roles
Is this you?

Claims

Checklist
  • Curious by nature
  • Sound judgement
  • Strong negotiator
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
Typical career path

Claims Handler > Team Leader > Claims Manager

Starting out you’ll need:

Accredited Product Adviser (APA)

or

BA (Hons) in Insurance Practice – Apprenticeship

core
industry
roles
Is this you?

Direct Customer Support

Checklist
  • People person
  • Strong communicator
  • Entrepreneurial
  • Sales skills
Typical career path

Customer Service Agent > Team Leader > Customer Service Manager

Starting out you’ll need:

Accredited Product Adviser (APA)

or

BA (Hons) in Insurance Practice – Apprenticeship

More roles

There’s a world of opportunity in insurance. From evaluating risk to developing e-commerce solutions, there’s a role here for you.

Insurance Broker

Are you the ultimate people person? This is the job for you...



As an Insurance Broker, you’ll act as link between insurance companies and their customers. You’ll be an independent professional who gets to know your customers’ requirements and advise on the most suitable products to minimise risk. Faced with a vast choice of insurance companies and products of varying prices, your role is to act as an independent voice for their customer.



About you:
  • People person
  • Strong communicator
  • Entrepreneurial
  • Sales skills
  • Common sense attitude

Underwriter

Is your attention to detail off the charts? Read on...



When you become an underwriter, you’ll evaluate risks and decide whether to provide insurance cover and on what basis. This is a fundamental role for any insurance company; if it’s carried out correctly the company will select the best risks at the right price, which will ultimately make profits for your company.



About you:
  • Problem solver
  • Appetite to learn
  • Precise
  • Attention to detail

Hear from a real underwriter - video

Claims Handler

Have that Sherlock Holmes streak? Why not make a career out of it...



People buy insurance to protect them should things go wrong. If this happens, they have the right to make a claim. Insurance companies have special teams to assist their customer when making a claim. As a claims handler, you’ll get your detective hat on and investigate the event that led to the claim, decide the extent and validity of the claim and assist the claimant in minimising their loss.



About you:
  • Curious by nature
  • Exercise sound judgement
  • Strong negotiator
See all roles

Insurance can take you far

Working in insurance can take you across the globe. Irish insurance qualifications are recognised in the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, making working and travelling with your qualification all the easier. Begin your career in Ireland and who knows where you could end up?