Financial Services Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the sector, today launched two new International Financial Services Apprenticeships, aimed at both entry level employees looking for a career choice, as well as experienced professionals wishing to pursue a career change or a more technical role within the financial services sector.

Companies such as State Street, Citi, AIB, Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank, Aon, Fenergo, Fidelity International and Allianz Ireland have embraced these new apprenticeships as an alternative recruitment and retention pipeline for talent for their organisations. More companies are due to take on further IFS apprentices in 2018 in IFS locations in Dublin, Cork and Limerick.
 
Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, was present to formally launch the apprenticeships this morning in National College of Ireland. The apprenticeships have been designed and developed by FSI and their member companies in conjunction with National College of Ireland and underline the growing strength behind Ireland’s business model.

There are two IFS Apprenticeships. The IFS Associate will be aimed at entry level apprentices and embeds a Higher Certificate in International Financial Services at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications while the IFS Specialist is aimed at career changers and returns and embeds a Higher Diploma in Financial Services Analytics at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Bruton said, "I’m delighted to be here today to launch two new Apprenticeships in the area of International Financial Services and I congratulate all involved- the National College of Ireland, Financial Services Ireland and all employers who are partaking.  Both apprenticeships offer fantastic opportunities for participants in the sector, to ‘earn while they learn’ and receive an excellent education while also gaining relevant work experience. I have set out the ambition to make Ireland’s Education and Training Service the best in Europe within a decade. Growing the number of people choosing apprenticeships and expanding the number of programs available to them is key to achieving this ambition. Indeed, we launched a plan earlier this year to increase registrations to 50,000 by 2020. Today’s announcement directly contributes to the realisation of this ambition."

Director of Financial Services Ireland, Marc Coleman added, "FSI is delighted to sponsor this ground breaking, enterprise led initiative, which will bring targeted skills quickly into a rapidly growing sector. The ability of apprenticeships to grow and benefit the industry is limited only by the extent of industry take up. I strongly urge all firms in the sector to grab, with both hands this unrivalled opportunity to improve the speed, quality and cost effectiveness of recruitment."

Source: www.businessworld.ie