Company description
Murray & Spelman (Financial Services) Ltd. continues to grow as one of the leading Financial Brokers in Ireland with offices in both Galway & Kildare. We have been helping our customers look after their Financial Services needs for over 60 years.
We are seeking 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 QFA as well as a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Insurance Practice (Apprenticeship) which is Level 8 on the NFQ awarded by IT Sligo.
When you join the team, 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. In return, we expect you to bring the commitment and drive to add significant value to the company.
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.
About the role
Responsibilities of Insurance Brokers;
- 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;
About you
You must be;
- A team player
- Focused, diligent & be committed to work and studying for a level 8 education programme at the same time
- Able 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 your own work load
- 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 23 years of age on January 1st of the year of entry and subject to interview with ATU Sligo.
- FETAC Level 5 qualification holder
- 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
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?
- Can I contribute €600 annually for three years (reduced student registration charge)?
Application process and time frames
- Application submission with CV to: Diane Collins - d.collins@murrayspelmanfs.ie
- Application submission please submit by: June 2024
- Planned start date: August/September 2024
- Location: Galway