Newcourt Retirement Fund Managers have been employing apprentices on the QFA apprenticeship programme since 2019 and have been reaping the benefits ever since. Here, Brian Macdonald, Director of Operations, talks about the give and take in place between employer and apprentice as they navigate their studies and full-time employment, as well as the attributes employers are looking for in a potential apprentice.
For how long have you been involved in the apprenticeship programme?
Coming up for 3 years now, we took on our first apprentice through The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship programme in June 2019.
What initially attracted you to the programme?
We are a business that puts a big emphasis on the training and development of staff so when we first heard about the programme, we were eager to get involved. The breadth of material covered on the 3-year course was interesting and at the same time the apprentices would achieve QFA status.
In your opinion, how relevant is the education programme (both professional and business modules) to day-to-day activities in the business?
There are a wide range of topics covered across the curriculum which gives the apprentices good knowledge of different areas across the business. The soft skills modules are all very relevant and cover a broad spectrum of topics providing great learning. The technical skills modules are less relevant day to day but do provide that wider knowledge and insights for the future. The knowledge gained from the modules of the Certificate in Professional Advice are very relevant for us in giving our apprentices good knowledge and helping them in their day-to-day interactions with our customers.
What are the three main advantages your apprentices have brought to your business?
- Energy and enthusiasm to the role
- Knowledge transfer in their day-to-day work
- A real sense of appreciation for the opportunity afforded to them which results in a strong commitment to the business
How have your other staff adapted to the apprentice(s)?
All our apprentices are simply one of the team so there has been no need for staff to adapt. They are not introduced to the business as an apprentice but simply a new starter.
What do you think are the essential skills required of any new apprentice?
A willingness to learn and grow.
A strong level of commitment to the programme and to put the time and effort in that is needed to be successful both in their day-to-day work in the business as well as being successful in their studies and attaining their degree.
What do you feel is essential for any employer looking to take one on?
It is important that any employer appoints a supervisor / mentor to support the apprentice. They should also be conscious that the apprentice just works 4 days a week during semester time so not to overload the apprentice with work. The programme can be demanding especially in year 3 so it is important that the employer works with the apprentice to support them through the programme. The employer should also look for regular feedback on how their apprentice is doing on the programme.
Has the Government support (Incentivisation scheme / Employer Grant) been an attractive incentive for you and do you think this kind of support for employers is important?
We participated in the programme prior to the government support being available so it was not something that attracted us to the programme. That said we do feel it is an important support for employers as it can encourage employers to join the programme and to give a new apprentice a strong start to a successful career in the insurance industry.
How important do you feel the role of Supervisor / Mentor is to the apprentice?
Very important especially in the early years of the programme. The apprentice must complete a lot of case studies and it is important that the supervisor / mentor takes time to review their output, give constructive feedback and aid their learning throughout the programme. It also serves as a great learning opportunity for the supervisor / mentor as they are no doubt getting involved in something different in the business with a chance to grow their own skillset.