A unique Insurance Traineeship Programme for the Wexford area, offering those in long-term unemployment the opportunity to secure training and job placement with Zurich Insurance, has welcomed its first 16 participants. Waterford Wexford Training Services (WWTS) and Zurich Insurance in Wexford are delivering the one-year traineeship.
The 16 learners secured places on the traineeship through an application process that began in June 2015 when the programme was first announced. They will now complete the first stage of training with Hartley People at the Wexford Training Centre for nine weeks, gaining skills in word processing and customer service. Following this, they will begin an on-the-job placement at Zurich’s Drinagh office, gaining first-hand experience across various business areas.
The year-long programme focuses on developing core skills including business administration, finance and banking, team working, information technology, and manual and computerised accounts. It delivers all modules through a combination of classroom-style training and on-the-job work experience.
Zurich, WWTS, and the Insurance Institute of Ireland (III) jointly developed the traineeship. Participants will work towards achieving a Professional Certificate in General Insurance alongside a Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 5 Business Administration Certificate to support their business skills development.
Welcoming the learners to the Wexford Training Centre, Eilis Leddy, Chief Executive of Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board, said: “We are delighted to welcome the trainees to this brand new WWTS and Zurich Insurance Traineeship. This training programme for the Insurance industry is the first of its kind for this particular business sector. This is a course delivery style which we have successfully delivered in other business sectors meeting the employment and training needs of the various business sectors and offering a unique opportunity to those in long-term unemployment to gain not only the theory of the industry but also first hand knowledge of the role and best placing them on the career ladder for potential future employment within the sector.”
Conor Brennan, CEO of Zurich in Ireland, said: “The start of the programme marks the beginning of a very exciting journey: not just for the individuals concerned, but also for the organisations that have worked so hard to bring it to fruition. I’m proud of Zurich’s reputation for supporting local communities, and especially our focus on helping those in long-term unemployment build the skills that will support them in establishing themselves in the workplace. We are excited to welcome the 16 new learners to our centre in Drinagh and to working closely with our partners to give them the skills and experience essential to a successful future, hopefully in the insurance industry.”
Waterford Wexford Training Services delivers training courses and education services across the South East through two training centres and a network of second providers, including community providers.
For further information on this Traineeship Programme and training courses delivered by WWTS, visit www.wwetbtraining.ie.