The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship has launched its 2020 call for applications with over 100 places available on the degree level apprenticeship.

The next generation of school-leavers is calling for a more imaginative approach to third-level education, with a strong appetite for 'on-the-job' training over the traditional college experience.

According to a new survey, 55% of young adults would consider an apprenticeship instead of going to college – if there was one available in an area that interested them.

However, only 5% believe there are enough apprenticeship options out there – a significant drop on the 18% who said there were enough to choose from last year.

Meanwhile, more than 80% said an education that allowed them to earn a living while learning their profession would appeal to them – with 85% agreeing that college is not for everyone.

Insurance Practitioner graduates (L-R) Paddy Power, Wright Group, James O’Callaghan, Munster Group, Kate Walsh, Munster Group, Keara McGlinchey, Hickey Clarke & Conlon

Earn and Learn

The Insurance Institute commissioned the research to mark the launch of the 2020 Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship.

The programme, which is part of a national Generation Apprenticeship initiative, offers apprentices a full-time, salaried position with an insurance employer while they work towards a BA Hons in Insurance Practice.

Now entering its fifth year, there are 100 places on offer in the programme this September.

Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship

Dermot Murray, CEO of The Insurance Institute said the programme is a ‘win-win’ for apprentices and insurance firms.

“The apprenticeship is more than just a job,” he said. “It is the chance of a career in a dynamic and thriving industry with boundless opportunities.

“Successful apprentices gain real work experience, while earning a living and working towards a third level qualification.

“The programme, which is now entering its fifth year, is also hugely beneficial for the insurance employer, as they have access to quality employees who are highly ambitious and hardworking.

“It’s a win-win for everyone involved and has been extremely successful in breathing new life into our industry by seeking out and recruiting the next generation of talent.”

Apprenticeship

Half the young people taking part in the survey said they would be worried about their job prospects after completing a traditional college course – with 47% agreeing that affordability is a ‘major consideration’ when it comes to third-level.

Meanwhile, 64% of parents said affordability was their main concern regarding their children’s third-level education – with 58% saying they were worried about job prospects once their children graduate.

Some 45% said they would encourage their child to join an apprenticeship, with just 8% agreeing that there are enough options available.

Options

Mr Murray said the survey highlights a “strong desire” for more third-level options.

“The results also indicate that young adults have an appetite for the option of entering the workforce via a non-traditional route – with 58% stating that they would prefer on the job training instead of college,” he said.

“In terms of their concerns with regards third level, once again affordability, as well as job prospects, scored highly.

“With these considerations in mind, you can see why apprenticeships such as ours are becoming increasingly more attractive. Within our programme, apprentices can achieve a third level qualification while earning a salary.”

He said the programme is government funded, meaning annual fees are set at €600. Apprentices also have the opportunity to work anywhere in the country, removing the need to move away from home to take part.

The research, commissioned by The Insurance Institute and undertaken by Empathy Research, surveyed 342 young adults (between 16 and 34-years-old) and 435 parents of dependent children (under the age of 18).

Register

The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship is a three-year programme blending on-the-job learning at an insurance employer with online study at IT Sligo and The Insurance Institute.

For more information on the programme and to register your interest in positions as they come online, visit earnandlearn.ie.