APPRENTICESHIPS: “Earn and Learn” - a case study on alternative pathways to work

The Insurance Industry in Ireland Facts and Figures

Why choose the apprenticeship route? 1 Alternative route to work and education while at the same time, earning an income Develop transferable skills that are in demand by employers and enhance your CV 2 3 You don’t have the financial burden of college fees!

Why an insurance apprenticeship? 1 Accessible, alternative route into the insurance industry that leads to a level 8 qualification without going to college full time Apprentices put their new academic knowledge and skills into practice with a three year work contract 2 3 Get your foot on the career ladder earlier than most college graduates

Insurance practitioner programme overview Three year part time blended learning programme incorporating distance and team delivery methods Blends Insurance examinations with business and personal skills leading to level 8 BA (Hons) in Insurance Practice Involves work based case studies Office based with ‘day release’ for live streamed lectures Blended learning programme incorporating distance and team delivery methods from both ITS and employers. Proven Insurance award at the heart of the programme with business skills wrapped around. 36 months of 9 semesters instead of 6 semesters in 3 traditional academic years working through the summer 48 weeks per year. Live lectures streamed to the office direct where the apprentice will spend on average a day per week every week in a quiet area with headphones listening and participating in small groups. Twice a semester face to face meetings with all 100 apprentices in a location convenient to all. Academic learning + Work based case studies , learning outcomes are level 8 and industry relevant. Capstone at Award Stage is level 8, comparable and equivalent to existing Level 8 Programmes in IT colleges. Entry level minimum 2 hons with passes in English/Irish& Maths

Insurance practitioner entry requirements Employers directly employ based on minimum entry requirements guidelines CAO not involved Leaving Certificate exams (note new 2017 HC) 2017 Onwards, A minimum of 4 grades 4O6/H7 and 2 Grade H5 or higher leaving certificate subjects, within these six minimum grades With English or Irish with O6/H7, and mathematics with F2/O6/H7, a minimum of 140 points is required for entry to all level 8 courses. Prior to 2017 LC, 2 Grade C3 or H5 at Higher Level. A minimum of 4 grade Ds at Ordinary Level including Mathematics and English or Irish. FETAC qualifications, full cognate FETAC (Level 5 or 6) award to include distinction grades in at least three components. Mature student, Applicants (defined as who are over 23 on January 1st of the year of entry) acceptance will be based on experiential learning, commitment to course objectives and an documented assessment interview. Entry Requirements to Year 1 There are a number of different ways to satisfy the entry requirements. The most common method is through the Irish Leaving Certificate exams. However, students may also satisfy the entry requirements by having FETAC qualifications, by being a mature student or having other qualifications, such as GCEAS, A2, AVCE, Double Award, BTEC, etc. Irish Leaving Certificate Requirements Honours Degree/Level 8 - A minimum of 4 grade Ds at Ordinary Level and 2 Grade C3 at Higher Level. Leaving Certificate subjects must include Mathematics and English or Irish. - An E grade in Higher Level Mathematics, and a B2 in Foundation Mathematics is a minimum entry requirement. FETAC Awards and Entry The minimum entry requirements for graduates of FETAC (Level 5 or 6) awards to an Honours Degree Course (NFQ Level 8) is a full cognate FETAC (Level 5 or 6) award to include distinction grades in at least three components. Mature Students Mature' applicants (defined as who are over 23 on January 1st of the year of entry), do not require the above minimum entry requirements and acceptance will be based on experiential learning, commitment to course objectives and an interview.

How it works A three year programme blending business and personal skills modules. The Insurance Institute exams are blended with the business and personal skills modules captured from the Industry Steering Group competency framework ranging from basic in year 1 to more advanced in year 3 finishing with a Capstone project/Dissertation which will facilitate collaboration across both Industry and apprentices. This is a challenging programme working and studying at the same time – self directed personal study also required.

Key questions to ask yourself before applying Can I commit to a three year contract of apprenticeship? Have I the self motivation 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 Can I contribute €600 annually for three years (reduced student registration charge)? 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? Really important the applicant understands what is required from them as they will need to be self motivated to both perform academically and on-the-job. They can also use our entry requirement checker on the website (careers.iii.ie/apprenticeships) as well as using this award winning online resource to check out further details and watch videos of existing apprentices.

Placement locations A truly national scheme *Note: Scholarship from Udaras na Gaeltachta applies The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship Programme – a truly national scheme

Insurance practitioner apprentice roles Apprentices will be employed in and become fully competent in one of the three core industry roles: Claims Underwriting Direct Customer Support Typical path: Year 1- Entry level basic role plus rotation (where possible) Year 2 - deeper understanding of the core functions including cross placements Year 3 - Specialise in their chosen core industry role The Insurance Practitioner programme, upon completion, will deliver a business ready individual competent in at least one of the three main core competencies within the industry namely: 1.Underwriting.2.Claims handling.3.Direct Client advice. Year 1: guided rotation across a series of roles (where possible) during their on the job experience complete the industry minimum competency requirements via the APA insurance qualification. Year 2: Having gained a broad experience of the Insurance Industry year two will allow the apprentices to gain a deeper understanding of the core functions within their employer. Placement in one role. There will be the opportunity to provide cross placements within companies, brokers, loss adjusting firms etc. They will also complete CIP insurance qualification.   Year 3: specialise in a given function(s) or area(s). As above cross placements will be facilitated. They will have the opportunity to demonstrate the skills they have learned to date in a specific role(s). They will complete a capstone project demonstrating their knowledge on a topic(s) relevant to their employer and wider industry which will be shared upon completion.

Organisation types Insurance Practitioner apprentices can work in many sectors of the industry: General Insurers Life Insurers Health Insurers Global Brokers Large Insurance Brokers Small to Medium sized Brokers Loss Adjusters Underwriting Agencies Service Providers A wide variety of sectors included and also this is national programme so the programme is open to all employers nationally Remember only 100 places so we must ensure representative across sectors and geographical location

Application & commencement timeline September onwards End of March March to July Aug & Sept Early September Employers begin to confirm roles for the 2018 programme Registrations open for potential apprentices Jobs advertised, interviews held, offers made and apprentices start Registration of apprentices onto education programme Education programme commences These are general guidelines and based on employers wishing to recruit earlier in the year. Interested applicants should keep checking the earnandlearn.ie website for details of when applications are opening.

For more information on the Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship and on all other apprenticeships visit www.careersportal.ie