Wexford based employer Zurich announces Apprenticeship in Insurance Practice
12th July 2016
Wexford office set to provide three-year training and work experience programme for up to 10 candidates
Wexford employer Zurich Insurance has today announced a dedicated Apprenticeship in Insurance Practice. The Programme is designed to offer school-leavers and job seekers the opportunity to secure a three year training and development opportunity with Zurich at its centre of excellence in Drinagh. The Apprenticeship, which is accredited by the Insurance Institute of Ireland (III) and Sligo IT, is now available for online applications, with an information day taking place on 26th July.
Initiated by Zurich and developed by the insurance industry and the III, the programme will focus on developing learners core skills through on the job experience and an extensive range of world-class training supports. Chosen apprentices will work towards achieving their Professional Diploma in General Insurance and go on to secure a Level 8 BA Honours Degree in Insurance Practice.
In addition to professional training during their placement, successful applicants will experience first hand the skills required to work within Zurich's various business areas by completing rotations in Underwriting, Claims Handling and Direct Client Advice, before specialising in one area for their final year.
Commenting on the announcement, Head of HR at Zurich in Ireland Daragh Byrne said, "We are delighted to facilitate this three year programme through our Wexford office aimed at school leavers and job seekers. The Apprenticeship in Insurance Practice reinforces Zurich's commitment to develop initiatives in the communities in which we are located. The programme is aimed at helping people looking for an alternative to university life find new and exciting opportunities to learn and develop. Candidates are given the chance to earn and learn at the same time, get experience in the many different roles within the company, and work with some of the top professionals in the insurance industry. In our applicants, we're looking for passionate people with a willingness to learn."
Paula Hodson, Director of Development Services at The Insurance Institute commented: "The programme is a game changer for our industry and for higher education in Ireland. It helps to solve the issues companies are facing with skills gaps and talent shortages, and this earn and learn model also provides people with a structured pathway into the profession. To be honest, I wish this structured degree programme had been around when I joined the industry, and I'm sure a lot of my generation would say the same."
Applications will be accepted from Tuesday 12th July 2016, following which an open information day will be held by Zurich and the III at Clayton Whites Hotel (formerly Whites of Wexford) from 11.30am- 1.30pm on July 26th. The event, for which attendance is optional for interested candidates, will provide information around the selection process and answer questions about the programme.
Zurich is one of Ireland's leading insurance companies providing a wide range of general insurance and life insurance products and services. The company employs over 1,200 people across its locations in Dublin and Wexford
For further information about the Apprenticeship in Insurance Practice, or to submit an application, visit www.zurichinsurance.ie/apprenticeship
About Zurich
Zurich is one of Ireland's leading insurance companies providing a wide range of general insurance and life insurance products and services. The company employs over 1,200 people across its locations in Dublin and Wexford.
Zurich in Ireland is part of Zurich Insurance Group, a leading multi-line insurer that serves its customers in global and local markets. With about 55,000 employees, the Group's customers include individuals, small businesses, and mid-sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in more than 170 countries. The Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, where it was founded in 1872.
About the III
Founded in 1885, the III is the lifelong learning partner of the Irish insurance industry and a not-for-profit organisation.
The III develop, deliver and maintain internationally recognised professional courses and qualifications on behalf of its 15,000 active members, as well as providing a comprehensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training programme, collaborating with key industry professionals.
Headquartered on Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, the III also has Local Institutes in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Sligo.
