Paddy Power, Insurance Practitioner Apprentice, Wright Insurance Brokers

What does your apprenticeship involve?

I work as an Insurance Practitioner Apprentice at Wright Insurance in Wexford, currently my role involves receiving first notifications of claims from clients and passing those notifications on to the insurance team.

How did you get your apprenticeship?

I worked hospitality for 15 years and I had reached a stage where I was looking for a new career direction, with longer term possibilities, as I'm now 30. So when I saw this, a role where I could start from scratch and work my way up, I knew it was the right option for me and I jumped at the opportunity!

What skills do you need to be successful in an apprenticeship?

You do need to have a willingness to learn and definitely with the apprenticeship a willingness to start at the bottom and work your way up.

What skills would you advise learning for an Insurance Apprenticeship?

Listen to what's going on around you and don't be afraid to ask questions, no question is stupid when you're learning. Be able to take criticism and learn from criticism and don't be afraid to make mistakes because making mistakes is how you learn.

How is your apprenticeship structured?

It's a three year programme, in year one it's an introduction to the whole insurance sector. In year two, the training is more intensive and in depth across the various sectors and in year three you choose which area you would like to specialise in.

What area on insurance are you interested in?

I've only worked in claims to date so that's the area that interests me so far. I'm due to work in haulage, personal and commercial areas too, so I would hope that they would all interest me.

What are the benefits of working in a smaller firm?

In Wright's there's a lot more of a personal approach than you might find at the larger providers. There's a lot of focus on your personal development and you're treated very much as an individual.

Does your apprenticeship provide a work and life balance?

It's very structured for me, I never had a nine to five role before and their was a lot of night work in the hospitality industry. I now have so much more time to spend with my family.