The Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme is a Hugely Welcome and Encouraging Initiative for Employers

During this past year everything has seemed somewhat uncertain – in life and in business. It’s obviously been an extremely difficult 15 months for many and we’re still someway away from really understanding the true impact the pandemic has had on the economy. Therefore, when we hear good news of any kind these days I think we’re even more delighted than we normally would be – hence when the Government recently announced it was extending The Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme until the end of the year, I think I speak for everyone involved in an apprenticeship programme when I say it was extremely welcome news and is a wonderful reflection of the Government’s commitment to improving the apprenticeship landscape.

The Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme sees employers who hire an apprentice receive a grant of 3,000 Euro in total – when the apprentice is initially hired they receive 2,000 Euro and the additional 1,000 Euro the following year if the apprentice is still employed in the business. To date, over 1,500 employers have benefited from the Scheme, hiring over 3,000 apprentices. This is obviously a hugely significant investment and an attractive offering for any employer interested in taking on an apprentice – I know from speaking with employers involved in our apprenticeship programme that any additional support is hugely appreciated.

This move by Government is welcomed not only because of the financial aspect however but also because it signifies the Government’s commitment to prioritising apprenticeships and to improving the environment in which they operate in. Earlier this year the Government announced its Action Plan for Apprenticeship, an ambitious and exciting vision which should see the landscape of apprenticeships radically transformed by 2025.

Thankfully these announcements by Government are also coupled with a societal shift in thinking about apprenticeships – once thought of as an option only for trade and craft career paths, we now see apprenticeship programmes coming on stream across a wide and diverse range of sectors.

We’re currently in the process of recruitment for our own apprenticeship programme – The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship. 2021 marks the sixth year of the programme, which was in fact Ireland’s first degree level apprenticeship. In the five years since we’ve launched the environment of apprenticeships has already changed quite dramatically – and these steps by Government will only further help to enhance it.

We’re delighted to have 100 places available on this year’s programme – which again would be good news at the best of times, but considering the current atmosphere, it’s truly great news. Feedback from employers involved in the programme has been extremely positive, with many crediting it with bringing new life to their business and to our sector. The programme, which is run in partnership with IT Sligo, sees apprentices work full-time for an insurance employer, with one day per week devoted to their online lecturers and academic studies. It really is a win win for everyone involved as the apprentice gains a third level qualification (BA Hons in Insurance Practice), as well as real work experience and all whilst earning a living. While the employer gets to hire an ambitious and hard working employee who they know is at the forefront in terms of their professional development and education.

There are still places available on the 2021 Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship and hopefully the recent announcement by Government will serve as an extra incentive for many employers who might be interested in getting involved.

If you are a prospective employer we would love to hear from you and we would encourage you to get in touch soon so that we can help you find the right apprentice for your business.

For further information please contact [email protected]