The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship launches 2026 recruitment campaign as programme enters its 11th year.
The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship, a three-year programme which enables apprentices to earn a full-time salary while studying remotely for a BA (Hons) Degree in Insurance Practice, is calling on prospective apprentices to apply for the 2026 intake, commencing in September.
The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship is open to school leavers, new graduates, career changers and mature learners who meet the entry requirements. The work-based training programme combines academic learning delivered remotely through Atlantic Technological University (ATU) with on-the-job experience, enabling apprentices to develop both technical knowledge and practical business skills while working towards a degree.
Since its launch, the programme has continued to attract strong interest from employers across the country, with more than 80 organisations participating. Apprentices range in age from 18 to 49, reflecting the programme’s accessibility and broad appeal. This professional apprenticeship programme also continues to shift the dial on the traditional view of apprenticeships as trade focused or male orientated, demonstrated by the fact that 57% of the Insurance Practitioner Apprentices in 2025 were female.
Research undertaken recently by The Insurance Institute of Ireland as part of the development of its Career Pathway for the general insurance sector also highlights the long-term opportunities available in the industry. Of more than 850 professionals surveyed, 40% have worked in insurance for over 21 years, demonstrating the longevity and fulfilling nature of careers in the sector. Encouragingly, 94% of respondents reported having access to ongoing training and further education supports within their organisation.
The apprenticeship programme provides an important starting point for those careers, offering a structured pathway into the industry and supporting participants as they develop their skills and progress professionally. Now entering its 11th year of recruitment, this year’s campaign will spotlight the success stories of graduates from across the programme’s history, highlighting the many pathways that apprentices have taken. Hundreds of the programme’s alumni continue to progress within the sector, undertaking further education, developing specialist expertise and advancing into new roles across the industry.
Celebrating the launch of the recruitment campaign for 2026, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, says:
“Apprenticeships continue to play a key role in providing people with practical pathways into rewarding careers while gaining valuable qualifications. As the Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship enters its 11th year, it is clear that the programme has created real opportunities for participants and supported the continued growth of skills within the sector. I am particularly pleased to see this year’s campaign highlighting the stories of graduates and the careers they have gone on to build. I wish everyone applying for the 2026 programme every success.”
Paula Hodson, Deputy CEO, The Insurance Institute of Ireland says:
“As we launch recruitment for the 2026 programme, we are proud to mark the 11th year of the Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship and to celebrate the many graduates who have come through the programme to date, 47% of whom achieve first class honours. Each apprentice has their own story, from the moment they first considered a career in insurance, to completing their degree and progressing in their roles across the industry.
The success of the programme is reflected not only in the academic achievements of apprentices, but also in the careers they go on to build. Our recent industry research shows just how strong and sustainable those careers can be, with many professionals spending decades in the sector and continuing to develop their skills throughout their working lives. It is hugely encouraging also to see any outdated, traditional views of apprenticeships being eroded, as they are now recognised as a modern and efficient way to go to college whilst gaining valuable work experience and income at the same time.”
Anyone interested in applying for the 2026 programme can visit www.earnandlearn.ie for further information on how to apply, entry requirements and to sign up for updates when new apprentice roles become available.
Visit www.earnandlearn.ie for further details