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

The coronavirus outbreak has changed everything when it comes to recruiting and retaining staff and many firms are turning to apprenticeships to drive their businesses forward.

The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship offers businesses a unique opportunity to source committed candidates and mould them into key members of the workforce.

The three-year programme allows participants to ‘earn and learn’ – working a full-time salaried position, while studying for a BA Hons in Insurance Practice.

Simon Murphy, Learning and Development Manager at Sedgwick Ireland

Sedgwick Ireland is taking full advantage of the programme, with two apprentices currently working out of its offices in Cork.

Simon Murphy, Learning and Development Manager at Sedgwick, said the apprenticeship fosters employees with a “really well-rounded” experience of the industry.

“They have an in-depth knowledge, not only in the principals and fundamentals of insurance but also show strength in marketing, mathematical and problem-solving skills,” he said.

“Our apprentices are very driven and we can really see them striving to build their careers within the insurance profession.”

Trish O’Hagan, Personal Lines Operation Manager at Hastings Insurance Brokers

Another company reaping the benefit of the programme is Hastings Insurance Brokers, which currently has three apprentices on its books.

Trish O’Hagan, Personal Lines Operation Manager at the company, said the apprenticeship is now extremely well recognised within the industry.

“The experience that comes with it is very much valued by potential employers,” she said. “Therefore, it definitely does present opportunities at a time when everything is more challenging.

“There is also the option whereby an existing novice staff member can join the programme. It’s a great opportunity for someone who wants to progress their career in insurance within a well-defined training structure and which also provides them with a qualification.”

Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme

The Government views apprenticeships as a ‘win-win’ situation for companies and workers in the wake of the coronvirus outbreak – and is currently offering a €3,000 incentive payment for each apprentice a business takes on.

Employers receive an immediate €2,000 payment and then another €1,000 payment the following year – provided the apprentice is still employed in the business.

The incentive, which was included in the July Stimulus Package, was welcomed in many quarters, including by The Insurance Institute.

Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship

Mr Murphy said the Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship has proven to be an “extremely successful” way of recruiting new talent.

“It is a unique and specialised opportunity that enables Sedgwick to attract strong, focused and committed candidates who value working in the insurance industry and are motivated and committed,” he said.

“The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship offering is an additional string to our bow, providing the apprentice with a diverse range of opportunities and our clients with specialist colleagues who understand the business sector.”

If you are an employer interested in hiring an apprentice, or if you're a prospective apprentice interested to learn more, you should log on to EarnAndLearn.ie.