Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship

The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship is an earn-and-learn programme that combines paid employment with academic study, leading to an NFQ Level 8 Bachelor of Arts (Apprenticeship) in Insurance Practice. You will develop a thorough understanding of how insurance products are designed, priced, underwritten and sold, as well as how claims are managed and regulated. Specialist areas include general insurance, life and health insurance, reinsurance, risk management and compliance. Your week typically alternates between on-the-job learning with your employer — such as an insurer, broker or Lloyd's managing agent — and block-release or online academic study through an approved provider. You will also work towards professional qualifications such as the Accredited Product Adviser (APA) and Chartered Insurance Practitioner (CIP) awards recognised across the Irish market.

Entry to this apprenticeship is primarily through employer recruitment, so you must first secure a contract with an approved insurance employer registered with SOLAS and the Generation Apprenticeship programme. A Leaving Certificate is expected, and most employers look for a minimum of O6/H7 in English and Mathematics, with Business, Economics or Accounting at any level considered an advantage. There is no CAO application required; you apply directly to participating employers via apprenticeship.ie or company recruitment channels. Mature applicants (aged 23 or over) may be considered on the basis of relevant work experience in financial services. QQI Level 5 or 6 awards in Business or Financial Services can also support an application where an employer is willing to take on a non-standard entrant.

Demand for qualified insurance professionals in Ireland remains strong, driven by the continued growth of the financial services sector, IDA Ireland's success in attracting international insurers, and an ageing domestic workforce creating replacement demand. Holding both an NFQ Level 8 degree and industry-recognised professional qualifications such as CIP gives graduates a competitive edge. Salaries for newly qualified practitioners typically range from approximately €30,000 to €40,000 per year, rising significantly with experience and specialisation, with senior underwriters or brokers earning €60,000–€90,000 or more.