Recruitment for September 2024 Intake Open

Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship

A three-year, work-based training program that combines academic learning with on-the-job experience, enabling apprentices to develop both technical and soft skills.

Visit earnandlearn.ie for more information

Become an Apprentice

The apprenticeship programme is tailored for school leavers, new graduates, and career changers looking to establish a career in the general or life insurance industry.

How to apply

Check out our step-by-step guide for the application process.

Step-by-step guide

Next programme start date

While employers can begin hiring apprentices as early as spring, the official academic programme starts in September.

What will you learn?

You’ll gain key business communication and collaboration skills, technical insurance skills through completing the APA, CIP, or QFA qualifications, and knowledge in emerging areas like big data and e-business.

Do I need any experience or qualifications to sign up?

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.

View entry requirements for more details

Visit earnandlearn.ie Register your interest

When you finish your apprenticeship, you'll have three year's work experience behind you, and a degree and a professional qualification. This foundation will accelerate your career in the insurance industry or whatever avenue you wish to explore professionally in the future. ‒ Cian D. Apprenticeship Graduate

When I was looking at college courses, nothing really stood out, I couldn’t visualise what I would be doing after those courses had ended. When I was researching the apprenticeship, I got really excited as you get a sense of the real working world and what it entails. I think it is a great learning experience and really helps prepare us for our future careers in the industry. ‒ Aloise Robinson Apprenticeship Graduate, NFP (Aiken Insurance)

Hire an apprentice

The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship is an exciting and proven way for employers to develop talent for their company and the insurance industry.

How to start the process

To take on an apprentice, please reach out to the apprenticeship team, who will guide you through the process and outline the employer's roles and responsibilities.

Contact Naomi our Apprenticeship Support Manager

What qualification will my apprentice receive?

The apprenticeship programme leads to a BA Hons degree, classified as Level 8 on the NFQ by QQI. Upon successful completion of the three-year programme, apprentices will earn their APA and CIP designations (both Level 7), meeting the Central Bank Minimum Competency Code (MCC) 2017 standards.

Where to advertise your apprenticeship placement

The Insurance Institute will post your advertisement on www.earnandlearn.ie and will also share it via email with a pool of potential apprentices.

Cost of taking on an apprentice

There are no costs for employers participating in the program. The training is fully funded by the government, and student fees are significantly reduced to €600 per annum, payable by the apprentice.

Learn more on earnandlearn.ie/employers

The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship has proved to be a successful recruitment method. It is a unique and specialised opportunity and enables our organisation to attract strong, focused and committed candidates who value working in the insurance industry and are motivated and committed to a future within this area, which is essential given our current climate and market. ‒ Simon Murphy Learning and Development Manager, Sedgwick

Never before has a training programme managed to successfully marry professional education with the skills needed for the industry. The apprenticeship is ensuring the industry is prepared for the future, while at the same time offering the apprentices themselves a unique opportunity for an exciting and interesting career. ‒ Joanne Keane CEO, LIA

One considerable advantage apprentices have over employees hired straight out of college, is that they have worked in an insurance environment for the duration of their study, picking up the correct terminology, building relationships and generally understanding how the business works. ‒ Dr. Marc Sweeney Training and Quality, Thornton Group

Still have questions?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat with our Apprenticeship Team.

Contact Naomi our Apprenticeship Support Manager