Newly accredited financial services apprenticeship announced
Financial Services Ireland (FSI) and the National College of Ireland (NCI) has announced two newly accredited International Financial Services paid apprenticeship schemes, aimed at both graduates and experienced professionals alike. There schemes will be two years in duration, with 80 spaces available and will begin in September this year.
Welcoming today’s announcement, Marc Coleman, Director of FSI stated: “In what is a sure sign of the strength and substance behind the financial services industry in Ireland, we are delighted to announce these two newly accredited apprenticeship schemes today. Not only will these new schemes appeal to entry level graduates looking for a great career choice that opens up international work opportunities, they are also aimed at experienced professionals wishing to pursue a career change or a more technical role within the financial services sector. Our sector already employs approximately 40,000 people in Ireland and with inward investment opportunities on the horizon in the form of companies looking for a new home post-Brexit, we are seeing that a number of our members are looking to increase employment and invest in upskilling their staff.
“These apprenticeships will take the form of a dual system, whereby the apprentices will work in a company while also studying simultaneously. This system has proven very effective in Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. FSI members look forward to being a part of this new initiative, beginning in September 2017.”
Speaking at the launch, Minister of State for Financial Services, Michael D’Arcy TD commented, “Today’s announcement is a welcome enhancement to Ireland’s financial services landscape. Targeted, industry-led talent development is an essential component to moving Ireland up the value chain in an increasingly competitive international marketplace. IBEC and NCI are to be congratulated on their initiative bringing key industry players together in the design of these apprenticeship programmes. I look forward to continuing to work with industry in prioritising talent as a key component of the Government’s strategy for the sector, IFS 2020.”
Gina Quin, President of National College of Ireland stated: “NCI are well placed to be the education partner of Financial Services Ireland on this exciting initiative as we are based in the heart of the Irish Financial Services Centre while also have regional links. Work based learning is very much in our DNA and we look forward to welcoming the first apprentices in September”.
About the schemes
The entry level scheme will offer applicants an opportunity to work four days a week in a financial services company while studying for a Higher Certificate in International Financial Services at NCI one day a week. More experienced applicants will be offered an opportunity to pursue a technical role in the IFS sector and successful apprentices will work four days a week in a financial services company while studying to complete a Higher Diploma in Financial Services Analytics one day a week. Both apprenticeships are two years in duration, with the apprentices being paid employees of the companies.
