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, Regional Assemblies and the Land Development Agency. 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 95 years ago. We have maintained this purpose by attracting the very best talent to meet the evolving needs of our Members and customers.
About the Role
This three-year fixed-term contract as an Insurance Apprentice Practitioner offers a valuable opportunity to gain insight into key areas of our business, helping you build both technical expertise and professional skills. As part of this earn-and-learn apprenticeship programme, you'll gain hands-on experience across our key insurance functions—Underwriting, Claims, and Member & Client Relations—while continuing your academic studies. You’ll work within a supportive and collaborative team environment that encourages continuous learning and professional development.
Minimum Entry-Level Requirements:
Entry requires a minimum of 2 honours at a higher level in the Leaving Cert or equivalent, with a pass in four additional subjects, including Maths and English or Irish. If over 23, interviews or other selection tools may replace these minimum requirements. No work experience is necessary, and the minimum age for programme entry is 18.
The main duties that you will be responsible for are:
- Gaining hands-on experience and learning in the end-to-end claims process, including assessing and processing claims, interpreting policy coverage, engaging with clients and members, and developing exposure to investigations.
- Developing a high-level understanding of the underwriting process, including learning how risk is assessed, how insurance terms and pricing are determined, and gaining exposure to decision-making frameworks, policy creation, and collaboration with brokers and internal teams.
- Assisting the Member & Client Relations team with documentation management, extracting statistics on Member and Client interactions, researching the internet for industry trends and observing member and client interactions to understand their needs.
- Being aware of and complying with the Financial Regulator’s Minimum Competency Code, Consumer Protection Code, and other relevant regulations, ensuring adherence to industry standards.
- Providing support in various administrative tasks as needed, contributing to the smooth operation of each department, including data entry and correspondence management.
What we’re looking for:
- An ability to demonstrate focus, diligence, and commitment to balancing work while simultaneously studying for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Insurance Practice (Apprenticeship) which is Level 8 on the NFQ
- Effective communication skills (both in writing and verbally).
- Effective planning and prioritisation skills.
- Effective problem-solving and numeracy skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
What you’ll get:
- While on the programme, in addition to gaining on the job insurance experience, you will complete the insurance industry professional qualifications APA and CIP/QFA as well as a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Insurance Practice (Apprenticeship) which is Level 8 on the NFQ awarded by the Atlantic Technological University in Sligo (ATU Sligo).
- Over the course of three years, this earn-and-learn apprenticeship programme offers you the opportunity to rotate through and gain practical experience in our core insurance areas—Underwriting, Claims, and Member & Client Relations—while continuing your academic studies. Within each department, you will be assigned a dedicated Supervisor and Mentor to support your development.
- You should be ready to manage the demands of both work and study, staying focused on successfully completing your qualification. We are committed to supporting your educational and professional development goals, and in return, we expect you to demonstrate dedication, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to contributing positively to the organisation.
We offer you a culture that is underpinned and supported by our values and behaviours of ‘Passionate’, ‘Service Driven’, ‘Respectful’, ‘Trustworthy’ and ‘Collaborative’. These values underpin how we interact with each other across everything that we do. They guide our thinking, decisions, and actions, creating a truly unique place to work. Every employee is responsible for the creation of our culture which focuses on creating a psychologically safe ‘Speak Up’ environment, promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and enhancing our journey in employee engagement and sustained performance improvement.
Lots of benefits including:
- Competitive Salary.
- Discretionary Bonus.
- Health Allowance for employees and dependents where applicable.
- Holidays – 23 days annual leave plus the option to purchase more.
- 10 public holidays plus 2 additional company days.
- Generous Pension Scheme.
- A suite of family leave policies
- Life assurance cover.
- Income Protection Insurance.
- Discounted Home and Car Insurance.
- Learning and Development Opportunities.
- Exam and Study Leave.
- Easy access to our Employee Assistance Programme and suite of Employee Wellness Initiatives including annual Flu vaccine.
- Bike to Work Scheme.
- Active Sports and Social Club.
IPB is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining the very best people by offering a motivating and inclusive workplace in which talent is truly recognised and rewarded. We are committed to promoting Inclusion for All with the belief that diversity plays an important role in the success of our business. We actively encourage everyone to consider becoming a part of our journey.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status, disability, or membership of the Traveller community. We bring out the best in each other.
IPB is proud to be recognised as a Great Place to Work.
IPB is dedicated to Sustainability and safeguarding your future. We focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance commitments, and invite you to join us in creating a better world for generations to come.
Individuals who are interested in applying for a job opportunity in IPB can request reasonable accommodations to be made throughout the recruitment process.
To learn more about us, please visit here.
If this sounds like you:
Apply if you think we’re a good match for you. We will get in touch to let you know what the next steps are.
Interviews will be conducted in-person, in addition to virtually where required.
