Considering Your Next Step? The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship Could Be It
As CAO decisions loom, many students and their families are weighing up what comes next.
Full-time college isn’t the only path to a successful career, and for those looking for a more hands-on, supported route into the workforce, the Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship offers a compelling alternative.
What Is It?
The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship is Ireland’s first apprenticeship to offer a Level 8 honours degree: the BA (Hons) in Insurance Practice.
It’s a three-year, earn-and-learn programme that combines full-time work in the insurance industry with online academic study. Apprentices gain real-world experience while working toward a university-level qualification, all without the burden of tuition fees.
How Does It Work?
Apprentices are employed by insurance organisations across Ireland and work full-time in roles such as claims, underwriting, customer service and broking. At the same time, they study online through ATU Sligo, supported by either the Insurance Institute or LIA, depending on their employer.
Learning happens during working hours and includes:
Online lectures and group sessions
Assignments and case studies
A final-year project or dissertation
Apprentices are supported throughout by a workplace mentor and academic supervisor, ensuring they’re set up for success both professionally and academically.
And, you also won’t just earn one qualification – you’ll earn three, one each year.
Year 1: Accredited Product Adviser (APA) – this is the industry’s entry-level qualification. Insurance professionals need this before they can provide advice to customers unsupervised. Find out more about the APA →
Year 2: Certified Insurance Practitioner (CIP) or the Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA)– the next step on from APA, many employers request their staff have this qualification as a minimum. Find out more about the CIP → Find out more about the QFA
Year 3: BA (Hons) in Insurance Practice – at the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll graduate with a level 8 honours degree.
Who’s It For?
This programme is open to:
School leavers who want to start earning while gaining a degree – 18 years and older with the required leaving certificate results.
CAO applicants looking for alternatives to full-time college
College graduates
Career changers seeking a fresh start in a stable, people-focused industry
It’s designed to be inclusive, flexible, and supportive—ideal for anyone ready to build a career in a growing sector.
More information on the programme’s entry requirements can be found here.
For More Information
To learn more, visit EarnAndLearn.ie. You’ll find everything you need to take the next step, whether you’re a student, a parent, or someone ready for a new challenge.