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Better Together

The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship Programme gives you, or your next hire, the chance to earn a salary, gain a fully funded BA (Hons) degree and achieve a professional QFA designation, all at the same time. Launched in 2016 as Ireland's first 'earn and learn' honours degree programme, it remains one of the most direct routes into a rewarding career in financial services. 

Delivered in partnership with LIA, The Insurance Institute and Atlantic Technological University (ATU), the programme enables apprentices to develop the professional qualifications and practical skills required to succeed in today’s financial services sector, while supporting employers to recruit, develop and retain new talent.

How Does It Work?

The Apprenticeship programme was first launched in 2016 and was Ireland's first 'earn and learn' honours degree programme, it combines study and full-time work.

Apprentices work 4 days per week with their employer and dedicate the fifth day to online lectures, so study happens within working hours, not on top of them.

Over the three years, apprentices will earn:

  • Two APA (Accredited Product Adviser) designations in Year 1
  • The full QFA (Qualified Financial Adviser) designation in Year 2
  • A BA (Hons) in Insurance Practice at Level 8 in Year 3

The education programme is fully funded by SOLAS and the Higher Education Authority. There is no course cost to the employer or the apprentice. Employers are required only to pay the apprentice's salary.

The education programme incorporates professional designations that meet the Central Bank's Minimum Competency Code (MCC).

Registrations for the programme typically open in spring with the academic programme commencing in September each year. Employers are subject to statutory approval before they can begin recruiting apprentices.

Why Hire an Apprentice?

The benefits to you of participating on our Apprenticeship Programme are numerous. You will nurture an employee who is actively learning best practices and the most up-do-date course content with the ability to implement those learnings in your workplace.

An apprentice can have up to three QFA modules completed prior to commencing the programme, meaning you can choose to upskill a current employee who may have commenced their studies already, or recruit a new entrant to the finance profession.

The educational portion of the programme is covered by SOLAS and the Higher Education Authority, so you will be required only to pay your apprentice their salary.

In summary, the benefits to you are:

  • access to fully funded government training
  • €2k annual employer grant for each of the three years (€6k)
  • assisted recruitment processes
  • the ability to make your organisation more competitive
  • a boost to your organisation’s productivity
  • a helping hand in future-proofing the insurance industry
The Employer Perspective

The Employer Perspective

From small firms to large brokerages, life companies from all over Ireland are hiring talented, and driven apprentices. Want to find out first-hand how one such employer is finding the experience? 

How to Apply

Whether you are an aspiring apprentice or an employer looking to hire, getting started is straightforward.

For apprentices: Register your interest at earnandlearn.ie, the national apprenticeship portal, to find available vacancies and begin your application.

For employers: To find out more or begin the process, contact our Apprenticeship team using the details below.

If you have any questions, our apprenticeship team is happy to help:

Hear it for yourself

Employer and Apprentice Testimonials

This apprenticeship is designed for aspiring professionals, and equips you with the experience and knowledge required to succeed in the industry.

Teresa Bruen
Teresa Bruen

Current Apprentice, Inverdea

Put simply, it’s a no-brainer!

Martin Glennon
Martin Glennon

Head of Financial Planning ifac

The idea of having 3 years’ experience upon qualification, earning for those 3 years and in a sector I wanted to be in, all excited me.

Colin McKiernan
Colin McKiernan

Current Apprentice, CMCC Financial Solutions

As a business, we realise that we are only as good as the sum of our parts, education and knowledge are key to the services we provide to our customers – therefore embedding the apprenticeship into our business makes complete sense.

Caroline Treanor
Caroline Treanor

Compliance Officer, Clear Financial

My confidence and self-belief has soared to a new level. My capabilities and skills to perform my duties daily have become more competent. My product and industry knowledge was non-existent prior to the apprenticeship. I have become a very valuable member to my team and the company.

Fiona Somers
Fiona Somers

Graduate Apprentice, Clear Financial

Frequently Asked Questions:

Over three years you will earn two APA (Accredited Product Adviser) designations, the full QFA (Qualified Financial Adviser) designation, and a Level 8 BA (Hons) in Insurance Practice — all while working full-time and earning a salary.

Yes. The educational costs of the programme are covered entirely by SOLAS and the Higher Education Authority. There is no tuition fee for the apprentice, and employers are required only to pay their apprentice's salary.

Yes. The professional designations earned through the programme — the APA and QFA — meet the Central Bank of Ireland's Minimum Competency Code (MCC) requirements for roles in financial services.

The academic programme commences each September. Registrations for both employers and apprentices typically open in spring.