As the workplace goes through its greatest period of disruption in decades, companies are increasingly turning to apprenticeships as a fresh way to develop talent.

The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship offers participants the chance to ‘earn and learn’ – working a full-time salaried position with an insurance employer while studying for an honours degree.

The programme is open to insurance employees looking to upskill in the industry and those looking to attain an insurance degree while gaining key experience in the workplace.

Tracy O’Keefe, who is in her second year of the Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship at Thornton and Partners.

Tracy O’Keefe was 19-years-old when she started working at Thornton and Partners as a receptionist.

She quickly realised that she wanted to know more about the industry and is now in her second year of the apprenticeship.

“I’m delighted I took the plunge to take on the apprenticeship,” she said. “It has opened my eyes to the world of insurance and the huge variety of roles available within the sector.”

“I feel that the prospects for my career are really promising and I’ll have plenty of options when I qualify in 2021.”

Earn and Learn

Chloe Oram, who graduated last year after taking on the apprenticeship with Marsh Ireland, said the programme allowed her to support herself financially while gaining her qualification.

“It allowed me to work full time but also study for a degree,” she said. “Something I wouldn’t have thought was possible.”

“Thanks to the programme, I graduated last year and gained my BA Hons in Insurance Practice – all while remaining financially independent.”

Chloe Oram, Marsh Insurance after completing the Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship and earning her BA Hons in Insurance Practice

She said the apprenticeship offers real-world experience that has seen her progress in a way that would not have been possible with a traditional college degree.

“The apprenticeship programme allowed me to gain first-hand experience of the industry, be involved in the day to day running of the business and build professional contacts within the industry,” she said.

“I think it can give you the opportunity to progress in a chosen career sooner than the traditional route.

“It has boosted my confidence in the workplace and the skills I have learned, as well as the qualifications I have achieved, have resulted in me becoming a key part of the team at Marsh.”

Opportunity

Ms O’Keefe said she viewed insurance as a small sector when she originally started out at Thornton and Partners; however, the apprenticeship has opened her eyes to the vast amount of opportunities available.

“The programme allows you to get involved in roles and areas of the business that you otherwise wouldn’t have had access to,” she said.

“It has allowed me to try many roles within the company and has enabled me to move freely between departments in order to get a better understanding of the area I wish to specialise in once qualified.”

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

Main image shows (Centre) Chloe Oram, Marsh Ireland graduating with her Honours Degree in Insurance Practice with (Left) Lyndsey Donohoe, Specialist Underwriting Services and (Right) Stephanie Lewis, FBD Insurance.