First of 25 new apprentice training schemes launched
The scheme initiated by the Insurance Institute of Ireland (III) is one of the first of a range of apprenticeships being rolled out under plans to widen the scope of systems for on-the-job training.
While, traditionally, construction-related and craft vocations were the focus of apprenticeships, programmes for entry to 25 new careers were approved last year. Other sectors that will see entrants with a path towards qualification supported by employers, colleges and professional bodies include travel, transport, software, accountancy, and medical devices.
For school-leavers doing the Leaving Certificate this month, the minimum standards to be eligible for consideration in the III scheme are two higher level honours grades, and passes in at least four other subjects at ordinary level, to include maths and either English or Irish.
While some employers may be ready to invite applications later this month, prospective applicants will be able to wait until exam results are received in August.
Those aged over 23 may undergo interview or other assessment methods in place of the Leaving Certificate requirements, and those with further education qualifications may also have those considered.
The degree will be earned over three years through an online distance learning system developed by the body with Institute of Technology Sligo, meaning apprentices can undertake the scheme with employers anywhere in the country.
“The programme is a game changer for our industry and for higher education. It helps to solve the issues companies are facing with skills gaps and talent shortages, and it also provides people with a structured pathway into the profession,” said the institute’s director of development services, Paula Hodson. “Being able to earn a fully-funded level 8 degree while working is very rare in this country.”
Around 3,000 new apprentices were signed up last year, more than double the figure in 2012. At least one in four are still connected to construction, but numbers have more than doubled for new apprentice electricians, and almost doubled for engineering in the same period.
An Apprenticeship Council established in 2014 aimed to assist the creation of ‘earn and learn’ schemes across a range of sectors. From a range of proposals from industry groups, in association with partner educator organisations, the 25 new apprenticeship schemes are at different ranges of advancement since being accepted last summer.
For more information about the insurance sector scheme, visit www.iii.ie/apprenticeships.
