About the Company:
Cotter Insurance Brokers Ltd T/A BestCover Insurance continues to grow our general insurance portfolio based in our offices in Ashbourne, Co. Meath. Set up in August 2017, we have been helping our customers look after their general insurance needs through the offering of a broad product range whilst delivering a personal, reliable and efficient service.
About the Apprenticeship programme:
We are looking for an ambitious and talented individual who shows the potential to develop into a high performing business professional. This opportunity is a three year fixed term contract apprentice scheme that provides exposure to all aspects of our business, allowing you to develop your technical expertise as well as professional skills.
While on the programme, in addition to gaining on the job insurance experience, you will complete the insurance industry professional qualifications APA and CIP as well as a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Insurance Practice (Apprenticeship) which is Level 8 on the NFQ awarded by ATU Sligo.
When you join BestCover Insurance, you will receive a tailored induction and will be assigned a business supervisor and mentor to provide support throughout the scheme.
We will work with you to enable you to reach your development goals and aspirations for your career at BestCover Insurance. In return, we expect you to bring the commitment, drive and energy to add significant value to the company.
About the role:
This is a permanent role (after completion of initial 6-month probation period). As an apprentice, you will gain in-depth knowledge of risks and the insurance market in order to arrange suitable policies & cover for your clients. You will learn how to be an effective intermediary between our clients and insurance companies.
Responsibilities of the role:
- Gather information from your clients, assessing their insurance needs and risk profile;
- Research insurance companies' policies and negotiate with underwriters to find the most suitable insurance for your clients at the best price;
- Ensure that your clients understand the terms and the extent of the cover provided in line with industry regulations;
- Foresee your clients' insurance needs, such as policy renewals or amendments;
- Advise your clients on whether and when they need to make a claim on their policies
- Arrange specialised types of insurance cover in complex cases; this may involve preparing reports for insurance underwriters and surveyors and negotiating with insurers;
- Build and maintain ongoing relationships with your clients;
- Keep detailed records and complete administrative tasks such as paperwork and correspondence;
- Develop relationships with underwriters, surveyors, structural engineers and other professionals;
- Keep up with changes in the insurance market and in your clients' industries.
Key Skills:
- Superior customer service
- Renewal reviews & retentions
- New business quotes and sales for both personal and commercial lines
- Ability to evaluate direct client insurance requirements and provide suitable cover solutions
- Good negotiation and sales skills
- Energy and drive with an ability to manage high workload in a team environment
- Strong organisation skills and attention to detail
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to include a confident telephone manner
- Excellent IT skills – knowledge of Excel and Word a distinct advantage
About you:
- Motivated and have the capacity to want to learn
- Focused, diligent & be committed to work and studying for a level 8 education programme at the same time
- Ability to communicate effectively (in both written and verbal form)
- Willing to be part of a team
- Committing to the customer
- Take ownership & accountability for own actions and responsibilities
- Have attention to detail and time management
- Have the ability to manage own workload
- Strong relationship building skills
- Aptitude to make real-time decisions based on changing information
- Good negotiation skills
- Problem solving abilities
Minimum Entry Level Requirements
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Mature students – if over 23 years there are no minimum educational requirements - documented interview required
- FETAC Level 5 qualification holders*
- Between 18 and under 23 years – Leaving certificate, minimum of 140 points to include two honours in higher level paper and passes in Maths and English/Irish with specific requirements on grades/levels*
*More information can be viewed on the website earnandlearn.ie
Rewards & Benefits
- Competitive salary of €22,500 based on no previous industry experience
- Performance bonus
- Generous holiday allowance
- Education & development support
- Parking available and easy access to public transport
Interested applicants should ask themselves the following key questions before applying:
- Do I meet the minimum entry-level requirements?
- Can I commit to a three-year contract of apprenticeship?
- Do I have the self-motivation and time management skills to study at a BA (Hons) level and work at the same time?
- Can I be diligent and committed to all aspects of work, training and education?
- Do I have the ability to communicate effectively both with customers and in a team?
- Can I take ownership and accountability for my own actions and responsibilities?
Application process and time frames:
Application submission with CV to: tata.cotter@bestcover.ie
Application submission please submit by: 23/08/2026
Planned start date: September 2026
Location: Ashbourne, Co. Meath
