Mayo woman’s success with Earn and Learn insurance apprenticeship

The Insurance Practitioner apprenticeship is calling all prospective apprentices to apply for the next cycle, kickstarting September 2024.

The three-year programme enables apprentices to earn a full-time salary, whilst studying remotely for a BA Honours Degree in Insurance Practice.

Speaking to The Mayo News, recent apprenticeship graduate, Rachael Ruane, shares her experience with the course.

“At the time I applied, I was working full-time in Dublin and I had decided to go back to education.

So when I was looking at my options, my options were, I could basically take a year or two and save for the actual college fees, I had to consider whether I was going to look at doing a degree as well as working, or if I was going to do it in the evenings.

“Then, someone mentioned the apprenticeship program to me, they were currently in it at the time. They were explaining what it was about it where I could work full days and the actual degree was integrated into my job. Throughout my lifetime, when it came to work, no matter what, I really did apply myself in the workplace, so I thought that this would really suit me because it was part of my work,” said the Ballina woman.

The work-based training programme combines academics delivered remotely through ATU Sligo (Atlantic Technological University) with on-the-job learning, allowing apprentices to acquire technical and business skills while studying towards a degree.

“It is difficult. It's definitely not easy. It is different compared to normal college where you go for four years, and you take time away or work on the weekends. When you're working full time and on a thesis in the evening, it isn't for the faint of heart!” she said.

Opening doors

A recent survey of previous graduates revealed that 91 percent are still working in the insurance sector, and nearly 70 percent continue to work for the same employer they completed their apprenticeship with.  

“The programme opens doors in terms of roles you can obtain. I worked as an account executive for the duration of my apprenticeship and on completion moved into a learning and development role within Arachas Corporate Brokers. 

“I wouldn’t have obtained this role without the apprenticeship, it equipped me with not just technical insurance knowledge but also crucial soft skills like communication, negotiation and critical thinking. These skills not only boosted my confidence within my role but also enabled me to build internal relationships within Arachas,” she commented.

When comparing the course to the traditional four-year-degree, Ms Ruane said she was grateful for her work experience. 

“I have come out after three years with a level eight degree, and I come out as well with the three years work experience, when in comparison to the person that had started a year earlier than I have, they have gone into the workforce again this year the same as me, and they haven't any experience, they can find it very difficult trying to locate employments where I suppose, there were more options for me when I came out because I had that experience, and it was easier for me to move within my company or if I chose to move company as well as one other place,” she explained.

_{Graduate Rachel Ruane, Dermot Murray, CEO of III, and Minister Neale Richmond}

Breaking the stigma

Now, in its ninth year, the apprenticeship is open to everyone who meets entry requirements, from school-leavers and new graduates, to career changers and older learners. However, there is a general stigma surrounding apprenticeships, something Dermot Murray, CEO of The Insurance Institute, feels is shifting.

“The growth of the apprenticeship signifies a broader societal shift in terms of the realisation of the value of apprenticeships and the immense opportunities they present.”

Ms Ruane stated that she has seen the stereotyping of apprenticeships, particularly surrounding gender.

“Apprenticeships in the past have been set up for men, they have maybe been more physical type of apprenticeships like mechanical or carpentry, so that’s how people did view them. 

“I suppose it is looked at differently, the same with PLCs, it's the same thing, but I do think apprenticeships like this one with a level eight degree already present, I think this could be the way forward,” she said.

Ms Ruane added: “The amount of information that I was able to take from my three-year degree at the end of it because I was constantly applying all the theory that I got on a weekly basis. You network and build connections as well, so within the space of three years, you come out with a large network, you come out with a degree, and you come out with your experience.”

Applications for the apprenticeship, which starts in September, are now open, and Ms Ruane tells aspiring apprentices to apply early.

“I would say try to get in early, because I was late with mine, and it was quite difficult at the time, I had to contact a lot of brokers directly to try and get an apprenticeship scheme. 

“And honestly, with the interviewing process, then it's just confidence, honestly, that's all I can say is it's definitely just confidence,” she concluded. 

The programme, which works with over 80 employers across Ireland, was born from a desire to bring new entrants into the insurance sector, almost a decade on, the programme has achieved this and more.

Not only has it led to an influx of new talent, but it has also enabled insurance employers to put the right staff with the right skills in place, ensuring their business and the wider industry remains competitive and fit for the future.

The Minister of State, with responsibility for Insurance, Neale Richmond, was ‘very pleased’ to help launch the 2024 apprenticeship. 

“On-the-job apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity to upskill while working and earning a full-time salary, and I am delighted to see their success in the insurance industry.”

For further information, or to apply for the Earn and Learn apprenticeship, see the programme's website.